User experience measurement in a computational thinking platform: findings from implementation in Latin America

Abstract

Computational thinking has emerged as an essential skill for professional development in the 21st century. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the E4C&CT online education platform in fostering computational thinking and measuring user experience to enhance educational outcomes. A mixed-method approach utilized quantitative and qualitative instruments. The sample included 905 users from 18 public and private academic institutions in four countries. Research methods included surveys, questionnaires, and user feedback, analyzed using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis. The findings were that (a) the E4C&CT platform significantly improved users' computational thinking skills, with 90% of participants answering correctly on specialized content, (b) usability assessments indicated that 86% of users found the platform easy to navigate and intuitive, (c) user satisfaction metrics revealed that 90% of users agreed that the platform met their academic training expectations, and (d) emotional impact evaluations showed that 81% of users found the platform relevant and motivating, fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills. This study provides valuable insights for educational communities, society, and decision-makers by spotlighting integrated user experience assessments of educational technologies, emphasizing the need for intuitive interface designs and engaging content to improve learning outcomes and prepare students for complex problem-solving in real-world contexts.