A framework for evaluating e-learning Environments

Abstract

The management of many universities is in a state of transformation from the traditional collegiate, to a more structured corporate style of management. These universities are increasingly modelling their educational administration structures on structures used by business enterprises. At the same time there has been a remarkable technology shift which has enabled effective computer based learning linked to sophisticated online delivery mechanisms. Academics and educational managers are embracing the new technologies for a variety of reasons not all of which focus on improving educational outcomes. The transformation of universities from traditional to corporate management which has developed in conjunction with the technology shift has produced a whole new set of problems and opportunities and educational managers have yet to capitalize on the opportunities. This paper identifies these problems and opportunities and provides a framework for taking more control of the e-learning process in order to provide a better outcome for both students and educational managers. This paper initially examines the problems inherent in online delivery of both traditional university education and competency-base vocational training. We also present our research into student evaluations and how they can lead to false metrics. The paper then identifies better evaluation mechanisms for quality control. These mechanisms are presented as a unified framework for the ongoing evaluation of e-learning outcomes.