Authors:
Sarah Aragon-Hahner
;
Sophia Sakel
and
Sven Strickroth
Affiliation:
LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
Keyword(s):
Online Self-Assessment, Self-Reflection, Self-Reflection Support System, Decision Support System, Mobile Application, Career Decision-Making, Study Program Choice.
Abstract:
Online self-assessments (OSAs) are common tools for university orientation. Usually, OSAs are multiplechoice tests giving prospective students a recommendation on their suitability for the selected study program. However, they lack true “self-assessment”, which is essential for informed decision-making. To better understand users’ requirements of OSAs, we interviewed two experts, evaluated our university’s current computer science OSA (N = 228), and conducted a survey with first-semester students (N = 51). The results highlight the importance of self-reflection and social exchange in study choices. Moreover, users expressed a wish for flexible and personalized content. On this basis, we conceptualized a mobile OSA app including the features that were rated most positively in the pre-studies. The app allows for flexible use by providing micro-content in a clip format. In a first proof-of-concept study (N = 11) the app was perceived as helpful and easy to use. Moreover, users highlight
ed the concept’s potential to stimulate self-reflection.
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