A method for evaluation of a course delivered via the world wide web in Brazil

Abstract

This paper describes the application of evaluation methods to a distance course and discusses the need for ongoing evaluation to control the quality of distance education courses. During the last quadrimester of 1996, a course in Graphic Mechanics was offered in Brazil through a distance education program entitled "Programa Educ@r" 1 via the World Wide Web. Evaluation methods and data analysis were developed and applied during the period of the course, and results of the evaluation are discussed.

A systemic, flexible, and multidimensional model for evaluating e-learning programs

“…Formative Evaluation. Formative evaluation could be used during the course of instruction to identify program aspects that the participants consider effective or otherwise (Magalhaes & Schiel, 1997). It seeks feedback on any factors that may affect the teaching-learning process.…”

“…Summative evaluation is administered at the end of a course or program. It targets not only the learners but also the other stakeholders to justify the implementation of an instructional technology, to determine if objectives were met, to make improvements, or to help verify whether the difficulties experienced at the formative level were resolved (Magalhaes & Schiel, 1997). Summative data could be obtained from online or mailed surveys, questionnaires, focus group interviews, on-the-job evaluations such as performance appraisals, day-to-day observations, face-to-face interviews, or through group projects, and from individual or group final examination results.…”

“…Variables that could be integrated to evaluate the instructor (A4-E4) are instructor's knowledge and skills (R, L), effectiveness ( Institution (A5-E5). Institutions or organizations typically arrange for e-learning services such as registration, virtual library access, books, and other services for e-learners (Wong, 1999), and such issues deserve to be addressed in an evaluation (Magalhaes & Schiel, 1997). In a study by Schilke (2001) examining why online students in a community college dropped out of online courses, institutional factors were the most commonly mentioned factors.…”

Predictors of persistence in distance education.

“…The purpose of this chapter is to provide the reader with enough detail to replicate this study in other distance education environments. anonymity was fOllowed in this study (Magalhaes & Scheil, 1997). In order to maintain confidentiality, data was only accessed by the researcher.…”

Estudo e avaliação de educação à distância utilizando a tecnologia WWW

“…Além disso, está sendo aplicado em mais de 20 escolas na região de São Carlos (Schiel & Magalhães, 1997).…”