On Principles of Course Evaluation in
Distance Learning Environments
Mieczysław L.
Owoc
University of Economics, Wrocław, Poland
Leszek A. Maciaszek
Macquarie University Sydney, Australia
Krzysztof Hauke
University of Economics, Wrocław, Poland
Summary
Distance learning improves access to education and – in most cases – advances the quality of education delivery. Its key attributes are: openness, interactiveness and using multimedia teaching materials allowing: learning by anybody, at any place and anywhere. In order to assure high quality of learning, the offered courses should satisfy audience expectations and should convey knowledge in modern ways. To analysing teaching effectiveness we have evaluated a number of distance education courses. The paper describes evaluation aspects of distance learning environment and proposes the following criteria useful for this task: knowledge completeness, consistency and adequacy. Apart from knowledge passing, we have to deliver courses in an attractive form. We propose guidelines useful for evaluation of courses prepared in the LearningSpace (Lotus Notes application) environment s. The quality of education can be greatly improved by following these guidelines Two of the courses designed for MBA studies: "Business Plan Preparation" and " Management Decision Support Systems" illustrate the usability of the course evaluation method.