Evaluation of E-Learning Program

Evaluation of E-Learning ProgramChapter oneIntroductionNowa mean solar days, steeper education is experiencing big ch on the wholeenges driven by m some(prenominal) emerging trends, among which is the introduction of the means of online discipline. harmonisely, many universities all over the world atomic number 18 taking different moves to cope with the tender requirements some universities were established as purely online instruction providers, other formulaic universities launched new-sprung(prenominal) online programs, and some introduced online learning programmes to enhance some of their already existing programs.E-Learning redefines the teaching/learning processes and the overall learning milieu. It changed the old university system to a new set of practices by introducing signifi fecal mattert changes in the roles of its chief(prenominal) key presenters learners, might members, and the mental substructure as an entity (Mendenhall, 2001).The change which e-lear ning brings to higher(prenominal) education, accompanied by its vast bed cover as an accepted learning delivery mode, has been always questioned by its components who tie this type of learning to poor timberland. Therefore, studying the different eyeshots of evaluating the quality of e-learning has been rising as an issue that is worth researching and enhancing (Kistan, 2005 Wirth, 2005).A big range of perspectives on what factors to address when evaluating the quality of e-learning has been create. Nevertheless most of those studies either intercommunicate a few factors pertaining to a single aspect or dimension ( on the wholey, 2004) or addressed multiple aspects but without looking at the e-learning institution encyclopedicly (Cohen and Ellis, 2004).In view of the miss of a holistic framework of factors to evaluate the quality of e-learning programs, the aim of this study is to hopefully contribute to the body of knowledge in this ara, by developing a framework for the ev aluation of quality in e-learning programs.Research objectiveThe main purpose of this study is to evaluate the quality of e-learning programs through investigating the related searing factors that return been identified by police detectives and practitioners of this topic. It also intends to examine the relevancy and importance of such frameworks within e-learning practise in Saudi Arabia.The study aims also at understanding how the key learners and faculty members differ in perceiving the importance of such factors on impacting on the quality of an e-learning program?Research QuestionThe research intends to retort in broad perspective the following questions as wellWhat ar the factors which affect the quality of e-learning?In this question the researchers argon trying to address the quality factors which affect the success of E-learning in Saudi Arabia based on 12 factors that nourish been addressed from the literature.How send packing we increase e-learning practice in Sau di Arabia?The blurb question to know is whats the best way to increase the number of E-learning practise in Saudi Arabia and what do learners think based on their experience.Dissertation body structureThis dissertation includes six chapters in addition to its introduction. Below is a brief description of eachChapter two outlining the background development of the research to put the ratifier into the perspective of this study. The chapter includes a discussion of the emerging trends in higher education that have pushed for the introduction of e-learning and discusses broadly the quality issue in this type of learning.Chapter trine covers the literature review of e-learning, i.e. critical factors for evaluating the quality of e-learning programs. The chapter starts with identifying the distinctions between e-learning and traditional education, discusses in detail the definition of the look concept in higher education generally, and in specific e-learning.Chapter four Cover the r esearch methodology such as the process of data collection and analysis which bequeath be apply.Chapter Five we will be describing and analysing the data and present the data gathered. Results of the analysis are then discussed.Chapter six this chapter summarizes the study, lay out the conclusion and ends up with recommendations for future research.BibliographyResearch methodological analysisIn this study the researcher will to collect his data by the quantitative method where a questionnaire will be designed based on the factors which have been discovered from the literature review and then will be sent to random group in Saudi Arabia. The Data later on will be analysed to show the result and the findings.Saudi Arabia BackgroundSaudi Arabia which is the birth place of Islam and home to Islams two holiest places, Mecca, and Medina, is located in the shopping pennyer eastmost bordering the Arabian Gulf and the Red Sea. The kings official title is the Custodian of the Two Holy Mo sques. The modern Saudi State was founded in 1932. It is a large Middle Eastern nation that ranks as one of the worlds leading producers of petroleum, and exports more than oil than any other nation. The government is of a monarchy type and the monarch is both the header of state and head of government, and administratively it is divided into 13 provinces, with the constitution governed according to Islamic Law. The countrys legal system is based on Sharia law and some(prenominal) secular codes have been introduced. Commercial disputes are handled by special committee.Saudi Arabia has an oil based economy with strong government controls over major economical activities. It possesses more than 20% of the worlds proven petroleum reserves. It not only ranks as the largest exporter of petroleum, but also plays a leading role in OPEC. The petroleum arena accounts for roughly 75% of bud attain revenues, 45% of GDP, and 90% of export earnings. It is believed that about 40% of GDP come s from the private sector and roughly 5.5 million foreign employees play an important role in the Saudi economy, particularly in the oil and service sectors.The researcher carried out this research in Saudi for the following reasons which are described in detail.The access as the researcher is a Saudi national and has good access to the people in Saudi Arabia where he can collect more learning and find a better repartee rate than carrying out research in any other place.The Language The researcher is multi lingual as he can speak Arabic and English fluently, therefore he will not face any problem in collecting the dataThe Information The researcher understands the situation in Saudi Arabia which enables good research as he will not spend besides much time understanding the situation and its cultural factors.The Organisation of the Education System in KSAThe education system in Saudi Arabia has five divisions. They are kindergarten for children from trinity to six years old, elem entary (6-11), in boundediate (12-14), indirect level (15-18), and university level (typically 19-24, depending on the subjects studied, and the form of higher education). The secondary stage is the final mannikin of general education in the Kingdom. It is a three-year period, following on from the intermediate stage. Students are admitted to this stage if they have checked the intermediate stage certificate. Normally students follow secondary stage education between the ages of 16 and 18 years. This stage is ciphered the most important period in the general education ladder because students who successfully roll in the hay this stage are eligible to join any higher education institution.The administration of the education system in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is highly centralised. All educational policies are subject to government control and supervision by the Supreme Council of Education. Textbooks and teaching tools are uniform throughout the Kingdom. The four principal po litical science responsible for education in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia are the Ministry of Education the General Presidency for Girls Education the Ministry of Higher Education and the General Organisation of good Education and Vocational Training.ConclusionIn this chapter we gave a sample overview about the research and the reasons for carrying out this research such as the lack of understanding in the practice of the E-learning program in Saudi Arabia. The research is trying to develop a good understanding of this and the information of other studies carried out in like fields of the success factors of the quality of E-learning in Saudi Arabia. Also in this chapter we have described the dissertation structure and the research questions which are going to handbill the main factors for the success of learning Quality. Finally the Saudi Background has been analysed to give the reader the information to understand where the study has been carried out and why.Chapter TwoIntroducti onThe main objective of this chapter is to put forward the point of view of this study by laying out its background information. The chapter starts with presenting the emerging trends in higher education that have lead to the introduction of e-learning. It then continues by explaining the quality issue that is associated with this type of learning. The chapter also includes an overview of the background information about e-learning in Saudi Arabia.Education An overviewAccording to a recent publication by UNESCO, the education sector in general comprised of all of its components including higher education is experiencing new trends that exert on it new pressures and challenges (Hernes, 2003).Those trends are either classified under demography, such as the continuing growth and increase of population, particularly green populations, migration between countries, and increase of life expectancy, or are due to globalization where nations in general and learners in particular flow across borders without limits, allowing learners to have easy access to the best universities in the developed countries. Finally, perhaps the most important trend is knowledge growth accompanied by advanced information and communicating technologies which have changed forever the way information is obtained, stored, used and displayed.Despite the divide between one country and some other, or within the same country, more knowledge development opportunities have been created. Information technologies brook the possibility of modularization and customization of education through the use and re-use of learning objects foc utilize on learners, the possibility of engaging learners more than ever and therefore changing the role of the faculty from a teacher to a facilitator.In response to the challenges described above, the growth of the e-learning programme with its different modes in higher education is apparent and best reflected by the increasing number of e-colleges and e-universities, or the increasing number of higher education institutions that introduced e-learning programs and definitely by the growth of enrolment rate among learners.A study of e-learning in the United States in 2005, suggested that e-learning is penetrating the higher education institutions both in size and breadth and that e-learning is part of the mainstream of higher education. Figures of the study showed that sixty-five percent of schools oblation graduate face-to-face rushs also chap graduate courses online. Sixty-three percent of schools offering undergraduate face-to-face courses also offer undergraduate courses online. Among all schools offering face-to-face Masters degree programs, 44% also offer Masters programs online. Among all schools offering face-to-face Business degree programs, 43% also offer online Business programs. The same study showed an increase of near 20% of learners enrolment rate compared to the previous year (Allen and Seaman 2005).For different reasons, thos e statistics do not depend to be applicable to other countries. The USA is certainly the worlds largest provider of e-learning however the market for e-learning and lifelong learning is also growing in Europe. Moreover, the Arab world, which represents 5 per cent of the worlds overall population, has entered the 21st century with a striking statistic, which shows that it has only 0.5 per cent of the worlds Internet users. This obviously impacts on the number of its e-learning initiatives and enrolled learners in such type of learning systems (UNDP, 2002).Using Computers in LearningThese days, electronic computers have become an important educational tool kit. Many educational organizations and training centres rely on them to deliver information and learning knowledge. However, using computers in education has a long history and is deep-rooted in the field. The idea of using computers in training first appeared during humankind War 2, when the US military trained farmers to use w eapons and other equipment via this systematic approach (Horton, 2000).The first real use of the computer in educational organizations was take heedn in the 1960s, when the University of Illinois together with the Data Corporation developed the PLATO system. PLATO is a system which enabled the learning and understanding of complex subjects. Apples Macintosh and Microsoft Windows operating system have since provided a streamer platform on which programmers can develop training programs (Horton, 2000)Definition of E-learningE-Learning refers to the employment of information and communication technologies to support the development and delivery of learning in faculty member and professional development institutions. E-Learning is used widely with other terms such as online learning, technology-mediated learning, web-based learning, computer-based learning, etc.Several definitions of e-learning have been developed reflecting the diversity in its application, used tools, and associate d technologies. Whatever definition was used, the meaning of e-learning always contains two fundamental terms Learning and Technology. In one way or another, all definitions of e-learning indicate the learning that takes place with the support of multimedia objects, the internet and technological applications as a delivery mode. One of the highly used definitions of e-learning is Education via the Internet, network or standalone computer it refers to using electronic applications and processes to learn, where communication and cognitive content is delivered via the Internet, intranet/extranet, audio or videotape, TV and CD-ROM etc as appropriate (LTSN Generic Centre, 2004).A recent definition that uses the language of higher education institutions was laid out by Ally (2004) who defines e-learning asThe use of the Internet to access learning material to interact with the content, instructor, and other learners and to obtain support during the learning process, in order to acquire knowledge, to construct personal meaning, and to grow from the learning experience.According to Horton (2000) E-learning is a general phrase that has several definitions. However, the comprehensive definition that covers all aspects of e-learning is what Ruth and Richard offer E-learning is defined as instruction delivered on a computer by way of CD-ROM, Internet, or intranet with the following featuresIncludes content relevant to the learning objective.Uses instructional methods such as examples and practice to help learning.Uses media elements such as words and pictures to deliver the content and methods.Builds new knowledge and skills tie in to individual learning goals or to improve organizational performanceFeature of E-learningEaton (2001) outlines that e-learning is characterized with the following featuresComputer-mediated classrooms faculty members and learners communicate through the computer, making face to face fundamental interaction less frequent.Separation in time be tween communications communication between faculty members and learners can also be in asynchronous modes.availableness of operate online learners are not only provided with online learning experience but also with online services such as advising, registration, and library services.Distinction between e-Learning and courtly EducationTo understand the quality of e-learning requires a full understanding of how this type of learning differs from the conventional dash of education and the changes it brings to higher education institutions. This section presents in a broad perspective the distinctions between e-learning and traditional education which shape higher education nowadays. Such distinctions will be taken into consideration when materializing a definition for quality in e-learning, and deciding what to be taken into consideration for evaluating the quality of this type of learning.The following areas were highly repeated in the literature as key distinctions between e-learn ing and traditional educationEducational ChangesMcLaughlin and Oliver (2000) believe however that new technologies have a positive impact on the learning environment where more choices for forms of learning are provided to the faculty and learners. This includes the delivery and presentation of content in more flexible way and a variety of modes, the provision of inter practise, engagement, communication, feedback, and communication and collaboration tools. Weller (2000) sees that those types of new choices will further the quick use of courses for easier customization and individualization resulting in more satisfied learners.Change in Faculty RolesWith the growing criterion of knowledge and information every day, and the availability of a huge amount of content over the internet, faculty members will not continue to be seen as the source of knowledge, instead, according to Cashion and Palmieri (2002), faculty members are expected to direct learners where to find the most relevan t knowledge and provide them with tools that teach them how to learn.Different Types of LearnersOblinger and Oblinger (2005) have referred to young learners of today as the Net Generation who grew up being familiar with technological products and facilities. Internet access, computer and electronic games have been a daily activity of learners lives. Learners today have different expectations with respect to their learning styles they take to experience things instead of reading or hearing about them, they expect immediate response to questions or actions, they appreciate interactivity and dialogue (Pashuk, 2005). Learners of today consider themselves as customers who demand to be served high quality services. They have consumers attitudes towards their academic program and any of its services (Wager, 2005). E-Learning institutions should be arranged to different types of learners, not only in their preferences and expectations but also in their level of variety.Change in Administra tors RoleAdministrators of an academic institution are usually referred to as staffs who are not participating in direct teaching or research work, their role is usually to assure that the institutions systems are running properly. Administrators are responsible to create, maintain and improve an environment that helps learners and faculty achieve their academic goals. Administrators of an e-learning institution can be involved in selecting, orienting, and preparing dependent faculty for courses, administer and manage the technological facilities at the institution, provide different types of faculty and learners support from the technical helpdesk library services, financial aid, etc. Administrators can also be involved in the planning, quality assurance, and performance management of an activity to help the institution serve its learners better (Williams, 2003).Reliance on foundationAlthough e-Learning is basically about learning rather than about technology, the technological i nfrastructure of e-learning programs is still the critical and primary component of the education systems. E-Learning is characterized by its high independence on the validity, and reliability of its infrastructure, which has the role of facilitating and providing accessibility of the learning/teaching process and its support services between faculty members and learners (Pashuk, 2005).Institutional DemandsE-Learning institutions must set up their systems, policies and procedures to deal with issues like data security from both internal and external threats as well as copyrights from the learners, faculty and the institutional perspectives. Developing a high quality online course will not only require the intellectual contribution of faculty members, it rather involves other key team members from the same institution or from partnered institutions. Copyright issues are usually conjugate to revenue sharing models, especially when the course developers are contracted or granted any incentives (Mendenhall, 2001).Advantages of using E-learning MethodsAs we know, traditional education requires effort, time and money that can lead to some difficulties in achieving the goals of learning. On the other hand, e-learning contributes to the spread of knowledge among people around the globe by easy, fast, and comfortable means, that helps people to attain their personal learning objectives. As a result, several educational organisations have proceeded along the e-learning approach to facilitate and improve the process of learning. In this section, several advantages of using an e-learning approach will be discussed. The author has divided the advantages into two main categories, advantages for learners, and advantages for instructors.Advantages for learnersAccording to Mayer (2003) he has conclude the common advantages that learners can gain from e-learning. The following list illustrates the main advantages for learnersLearners can get the best instruction available T he wide popularity of the e-learning programme makes learning more flexible and gives freedom to learners to choose the best course available which fits their needs. Training occurs just in time. Web-based training is available 24 hours a day and 7 days a week which allows learners to study when they need it without any conditions or constraints. They do not need to wait for training sessions or a specified time to attend.Learners set the pace and the schedule. Learners can study at their own time learners can take as many lessons as they need depending on their time and their plans. For example, some of them may wish to study full-time while others prefer to study a few hours a week.Learners get better access to the instructor. Communication with the instructor(s) through web based e-learning systems can be more effective than the traditional classroom approach. Training adapts to the learners style Many different learning styles can be incorporated within an e-learning environment , and the learner is able to adapt to a style or series of styles which they prefer and in the way they feel is most efficient.Learners get immediate feedbackThere is no need to wait while for the results of the exams, or games. The results can be obtained immediately.Learners are treated more equally A degree of anonymity is regardd, therefore personal characteristics are not considered.Saves money and time for learners Hidden costs are eliminated in that here are no travelling expenses, parking fees, etc. It is also efficient for time in that almost all the time is worn-out(a) on learning and no time is wasted on travelling. Produces positive side effects Learners are constantly improving their other skills, such as general computer skills, various internet technologies and how they apply them in their jobs.Advantages for InstructorsAccording to Mayer (2003) the most common advantages for instructors can gain from e-learning areInstructor can teach from anywhere Instructors are able to teach the course from any location in the world. All they need is connection to the internet.Instructors travel less Almost all the time is spent on planning, producing and publishing courses with no time wasted on travelling to attend.Course content can be dynamic Instructors have the opportunity to deal with course matter at any time and in any place such as home, office etc.Instructors dispense with time Time consumed in preparing the course document such as handouts, having course paper printed etc., are eliminated.ConclusionIn this chapter we have covered a wide range on academic study in order to understand this subject, starting with the definition of E-learning and what do we mean by E-learning, followed by another important part which is what is the difference between E-learning and Conventional education. Also the researcher has included a brief explanation concerning the history of E-Learning and the feature of E-stand and its practise.Moreover, we can see that b ased on the literature there are many advantage of E-learning for the learner. For example, he can study from anywhere and at any time which is the tractableness of E-learning and also there is an advantage for the instructor as he can also teach from any place and with a flexible time schedule.Chapter threeIntroductionIn order to understand what constitutes quality of e-learning and the critical factors that should be addressed when evaluating this type of learning, an understanding of the distinctions between e-learning and traditional education needs to be attained. Therefore the first section of this chapter is dedicated to exploring what changes have been brought to higher education by e-learning. This chapter includes a literature review for to explore what has been recognized by the researchers and practitioners of this field as key factors that affect the quality of e-learning programs and institutions, and therefore should be used to evaluate this type of learning.A list o f highly rated and most repeated factors was then generated and categorized to form the basis for a comprehensive framework intended for evaluating quality of e-learning programs which will be used later in the empirical research.Quality in E-learningA range of perspectives on what defines quality in e-learning, and what should be considered when evaluating the quality of e-learning has been developed. Some studies have addressed few factors pertaining to a single aspect or dimension, and some have developed frameworks for evaluating the quality of e-learning addressing many aspects. During those studies many different approaches were adopted ranging from surveying learners, faculty members, designers and policy makers for their views, building models for effective e-learning, and constructing camps that contextualize and fight the e-learning environment (Brennan, 2001).Despite the important contribution of each of those studies, a complete framework for evaluating the quality of e -learning couldnt be found. Developed frameworks either addressed the quality of the e-learning program with an emphasis on the classroom environment only, or overlooked some important aspects, such as the impact of the institution on the quality of e-learning programs (Cashion and Palmieri, 2002).E-Learning has been addressed by governing or accrediting bodies which developed quality standards, principles or frameworks. Such standards however, were developed to help institutions plan for their e-learning programs (Cashion and Palmieri, 2002) or as a self judicial decision tool, therefore they usually address in general perspective quality standards, academic standards, standards of competence, service standards and organizational standards (Harvey, 1999).According to Vlasceanu et al (2004), the definition of quality in a higher education institution differs with the changes inThe interests and needs of various types of stakeholdersThe institutions own inputs, processes, outputs, p urpose, mission and set of objectivesThe characteristics and attributes of the academic worldThe historical evolvement and development of higher educationRevisiting the changes that e-learning brought to higher education especially to the role of its fundamental stakeholders, learners, educators and administrators, it perhaps becomes logical when we look for a definition of quality as a concept, to consider these stakeholders first. For this reason, a growing literature in the field of e-learning tends to define quality of e-learning programs as the degree to which principal stakeholders needs and expectations are consistently satisfied, referring to the learners and educators (Kistan, 2005).Success factors particular success factors (CSFs) are key areas of performance that are essential for the organisation to accomplish its mission (Rockart, 1979). Managers implicitly know and consider these key areas when they set goals and as they direct operational activities and tasks that are important to achieving goals. However, when these key areas of performance are made explicit, they provide a common point of reference for the entire organisation. Thus, any activity or initiative that the organisation undertakes must ensure consistently high performance in these key areas, otherwise the organisation may not be able to achieve its goals and consequently may fail to accomplish its mission. The term critical success factor has been adapted for many different uses. Familiarity with the term is often presented in the context of a project or an initiative. In this context, CSFs describe the underlying or guiding principles of an effort that must be regarded to ensure that it is successful.Clarity of course goalsNot surprisingly, there has been consensus in the literature that in order to assure the quality of the teaching/learning process, designing a course should start with explicit outcomes that identify the expectations from learners and the faculty from the very be ginning. Learning outcomes which usually drive the effectiveness assessment process of courses should be also challenging and linked directly to the institutions overall goals and objectives. (Mayer et al 2000) faculty members have to adjust course content by selecting appropriate learning styles to achieve course goals and learners needs.Learner fundamental interactionInteraction is one of the most widely mentioned factors in the literature in relation to its impact on the quality of e-learning programs. (Moore, 2002)Interaction in the e-learning environment compensates for the disadvantage of direct and face to face contact between learners and their faculty member or colleagues. Moore (1989) has identified three types of interactionInteraction between faculty and learners, which is considered to be the most vital component that creates an effective learning environment upo