EVALUATING E-LEARNING: USING AN ELECTRONIC SURVEY TO INVESTIGATE THE LEARNERS’ REACTION

The evaluation of e-learning is complex and its fast growth increased the number of approaches on evaluation methodologies. The purpose of this study was to investigate existing evaluation methods in practice and propose a reaction evaluation model. This research describes the validation process of a survey to evaluate the reaction of a group of professionals who participated in an online training programme (Reaction Feedback/Survey) and outcomes of its application. The survey questions are in four evaluation categories: Tutor, Virtual Learning Environment (VLE), Content and Material. The internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha) was α = 0.955. The Reaction Survey aimed to: evaluate e-learning in aspects related to the 4 categories, identify if the strategies used help the learning process and improve the online training content to be used in the next training programmes. This study showed that using the VLE was uncomplicated to use and that tutors’ performance is an essential part of the learning process which can stimulate participation in online training. Participants’ responses showed that the survey can evaluate the quality of online learning materials which can motivate their participation and improve their comprehension of the content. The Reaction Survey allows an improvement of online training programmes. The Reaction Survey can be used to enhance the e-learning evaluation process. The Reaction Survey is a good practice if conducted in a simple, fast and anonymous manner. Professional development planners and developers can use this survey to evaluate whether the strategies used help the learning process.