Effectiveness of eLearning

Here is a list of seven ways of assessing the effectiveness of online learning, as well as suggestions for improvement in course design:

1. Target Audience: The target named and addressed? In the literature, even early in the eLearning program, the target audience should be mentioned to provide context to the audience.

Like many courses, there are often multiple audiences. Although it is possible to use a support during several hearings, seek exceptions or phrases that say "if you're a. ..." which can be annoying.

Suggestion: Instead of trying to make a "one size fit all, of course, create a smooth sound for an audience and adjust content to meet the second hearing directly. If you use a rapid development of the deployment tool / content, you can update the courses (and audio components) easily.

2. Pedagogically Sound: Is it the courses effectively its promise?

If the course is supposed to teach problem solving, it provides information and the opportunity for learners to test their new skills in a realistic context engaging.

Is the course in a logical sequence with an outstanding balance so that there is a reason for the dissemination of information? The indices of inquiry well built at the beginning of each lesson to discuss: the objectives, information - for example - the problem-solving opportunity - Review - sequencing comments.

Suggestion: Give people the opportunity to try new skills in multiple scenarios; do not expect to win the jurisdiction of a single example.

3. User Interface: How is intuitive and the navigation system? Are you able to explain to the learner in just a few sentences couple? Look to the use of the word or clues icon. The simpler the layout, the more focused the learner will be placed on learning content. Colors are used as visual cues to the learner?

Suggestion: Less is more. Entertainment least on the screen that does not shine teaching content and engage learners.

4. Appropriate use of multimedia elements: Does adding audio or video are the learning experience more education or is it just fluff? Just because you add a Flash interaction does not mean he is in a better learning experience for the learner.

Suggestion: use Flash, audio and video sparingly to enhance learning, not distract learners.

5. Interactive Components: The course provides opportunities for learners to engage not just be passive observers? Instead of simply watching a tutorial auto run or hit the Next button, look for opportunities throughout the lesson to get learners to take a decision, resolve a problem, or click on a hotspot for lead them to become active learners.

Suggestion: teach a concept, show an example of the concept in action in a realistic and then give the learner a question or activity that relates to the activity.

6. Rating: Is there an evaluation component to the lesson and the course?

Always include some type of evaluation component to the end of the course. This shows that the learner has reached a certain level of competence. Monitor the learners and their levels of achievement to justify the investment in the creation of online courses.

Suggestion: Start with a pre-test and post-test, it may be the same test to demonstrate the difference of courses.

7. Guest students: Is feedback a part of the course? Even a well-constructed course will receive feedback from learners to provide feedback information on the overall efficiency and more use of color, navigation, examples and correct audio / video segments.

Suggestion: Gather information and periodically review the entry to foster the development of future training.