Fewer Clicks Matter: AI’s Ability to Improve Website Usage for Educator Professional Development

Educator access to high-quality Evidence-Based Practices is often hindered by professional development (PD) websites that are overwhelming, difficult to navigate, or time-consuming to use. This study explored using an AI chatbot to improve the usability and navigability of finding relevant content on a PD website. An exploratory sequential, mixed-methods, single-group design was used in this Design-Based Research study. Phase One involved a needs analysis using focus groups with 13 educators to identify usability challenges. This direct feedback informed Phase Two, the chatbot’s iterative design. A post-survey was administered in Phase Three to the same educators from Phase One to assess the effectiveness and usability of the chatbot-enhanced website. Phase One confirmed strong website content but low usability. Phase Three showed that the chatbot significantly improved perceived usability and efficiency for resource discovery. This research supports developing chatbots, based on practitioner input, to increase the usability of PD website content.