eLearning Tools Evaluation based on Quality Concept Distance Computing. A Case Study

Authors: Mihai Caramihai, Irina Severin

Abstract:

Despite the extensive use of eLearning systems, there is no consensus on a standard framework for evaluating this kind of quality system. Hence, there is only a minimum set of tools that can supervise this judgment and gives information about the course content value. This paper presents two kinds of quality set evaluation indicators for eLearning courses based on the computational process of three known metrics, the Euclidian, Hamming and Levenshtein distances. The “distance" calculus is applied to standard evaluation templates (i.e. the European Commission Programme procedures vs. the AFNOR Z 76-001 Standard), determining a reference point in the evaluation of the e-learning course quality vs. the optimal concept(s). The case study, based on the results of project(s) developed in the framework of the European Programme “Leonardo da Vinci", with Romanian contractors, try to put into evidence the benefits of such a method.

Keywords: eLearning, European programme, metrics, quality evaluation

Digital Object Identifier (DOI): doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.1060537

References:

[1] R. Krull, W. Wetmore, L. Ruggiero, M. Sharp, Applying Collaborative Technology to Learning in the Distance Classroom, Int. Prof. Comm. Conf., 2006, preprints, pp. 183 - 189
[2] S. Standing, T. Vasudavan, On-line learning and the issue of service quality, J. Sys. Inf. Tech., 2004, 8, pp. 23 - 29
[3] S. Rubin, S., Professors, Students, and the Syllabus, The Chronicle of Higher Education, 56, August 7, 1985.
[4] H. Gabennesch, The Enriched Syllabus: To Convey a Larger Vision, The National Teaching & Learning Forum, 4-5, 2002.
[5] The eLearning Initiative, 2001, http: //europa.eu.int/comm/elearning
[6] P. Riddy, K. Fill, Evaluating the quality of eLearning resources, British Educational Research Association Annual Conference, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, 11-13 September 2003
[7] M. Kolding, Market Analysis European Corporate eLearning Market Forecast and Analysis, 2003-2007, IDC
[8] ISO / IEC 19796-1:2005, www.iso.ch
[9] AFNOR Z 76-001,
[10] ISO 9126, ISO 10007, ISO 9001, www.iso.ch
[11] D Parmenter, Key Performance Indicators, John Wiley & Sons 2007.