Analyzing the Non-Functional Features of Web Conferencing Tools for Synchronous Online Tertiary Education in Sri Lanka
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.60072/ijeissah.2024v.3i01.003Abstract
A selection of a web conferencing tool often focuses on functional requirements. However, nonfunctional requirements play a critical role in ensuring the overall effectiveness and usability of a tool, especially for developing countries like Sri Lanka. This study aims to provide a detail discussion on the nonfunctional requirements discovered in a previous study on “Expert opinion on selecting a web conferencing tool for synchronous online tertiary education in Sri Lanka.” The study conducted semi-structured interviews with twenty selected experts, including educational specialists, educational psychologists, and IT specialists who are directly in touch with the online tertiary education sector of the country. The data is analysed using a thematic analysis approach to identify the sub-factors attributed to each non-functional requirement and content analysis to quantify the identified sub-factors. The findings revealed a total of 66 subfactors across nine key categories: pricing, compatibility, performance, security, user-friendliness, customer support, user training and setting standards, admin functionality, and value-added services. The study provides a comprehensive overview of the non-functional requirements essential for web conferencing tools to be effective in the Sri Lankan context, where internet connectivity can be unreliable, devices may be limited, and cultural sensitivities need to be considered. The findings of the study can be used by educational institutions in Sri Lanka to make informed decisions about the selection of web conferencing tools and to ensure a robust synchronous online learning environment for teachers and students by minimising the limitations of being a developing country.
Keywords:
Content Analysis, Non-Functional Requirements, Synchronous Online Education, Thematic Analysis, Web Conferencing ToolsReferences
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