Hi __________. I'm Carrie, and I'm going to be your guide as we go through this Web site.

We're here today to test the CD-ROM Soap Box Derby. We want to see what it's like for real people to use the CD-ROM. So I want you to know that there are no wrong answers or things you can do wrong. We're testing the Web site, not what you do.

Don't be afraid to be honest. I want to know what you think so that we can work to make the CD-ROM better. As we go through the site I want you to think out loud, to tell me what's going through your mind as you're doing things. You know those thought balloons in comic strips? Think of it like that. I'd like you to tell me what's in your thought balloons as you're going through the CD-ROM.

If you have any questions along the way, feel free to ask. I may not be able to answer them as we're going through, because we're trying to see how people react to the site when they don't have someone sitting next to them.

I want you to know that if you're feeling frustrated, it's okay to quit.

[If necessary, videotape and NDA. As you see, we have a camera here. With your permission, I'd like to videotape what's on the computer screen and record what you say. We'll use the video in improving the site, and it won't be seen by anyone other than people working on the site. If you're okay with this, I'd like to have you sign something that says we have permission to tape you, but that the tape will only be seen by people working on the site. It also says that you won't talk to anyone else about what you see here today, since the site hasn't been made public.]

Do you have any questions before we start?

Before we start, I'd like to ask you some general questions about you and what you do. First, what is your occupation?

And how old are you?

About how many hours a week do you use the Internet, including email?

How do you usually spend that time?

How long have you been using computers?

Have you used CD-ROMs before, such as educational CD-ROMs or games? Occasionally? Or frequently?

Great. We'll start looking at the CD-ROM now, if that's okay.

First, I'd like you to take a look at this screen and tell me what interests you or strikes you about it.

Don't click on it just yet, but tell me what you think you would click on first.

[If necessary. Remind to talk out loud]

What do you think the purpose of this CD-ROM is for?

Where do you think you might find activities for students?

What about instructions for the teacher?

Why don't you go ahead and go to the activities for students. [Once there] What here interests you or strikes you?

Don't click on it just yet, but tell me what you think you would click on first.

What sorts of activities do you think you would find here?

What do you think will happen when you click on an activity?

Okay. I'd like you to please pick an activity and give it a try.

[If time] Great. Why don't you try another activity now?

[Once done]

Okay. Thanks a lot for coming in. You've really helped us out here.