E-learning System Evaluation

With the advancement of computer technology and network,we have entered a new information age in which the link between technology and English teaching has been established.In China,more and more e-learning systems have been developed for college English teaching and learning.Generally,these e-learning systems are considered to be convenient and effective methods to deliver courses to English learners.Whether these systems are effective or not needs to be tested.Research on evaluation of e-learning system is currently rather rare in China.As a result,there is a pressing need for substantial research on the e-learning system evaluation to better understand the impact and effectiveness of e-learning system on college learners.The main concern and interest of this study is to carry out the evaluation on the e-learning system and use the evaluating method to evaluate the New Era Interactive English(NEIE) system.The two general research questions are:1) Based on the user-evaluation,what are the evaluating results of NEIE system? 2) Based on the research findings,how can the NEIE system be improved? The research starts from the discussion of two important categories—e-learning system and the evaluation. After the literature review of the two categories,the research tries to form tentatively an evaluation framework.By incorporating the advantages of three evaluation frameworks,the research constructs the evaluation framework from technological and pedagogical aspects.The technological aspects of the e-learning system include user control,user interface,and multimedia.The pedagogical aspects of the e-learning system include instructional content,tutorial,drill and practice,simulation and record keeping.After constructing the e-learning system evaluation framework,the research evaluates the currently used e-learning system—NEIE,using the expert-based, user-based and summative evaluations.Both quantitative and qualitative methods are employed.The results show that the NEIE system has gained acceptance and agreement in the technical and pedagogical aspects respectively.However, improvements should be made in terms of simulation,record keeping and number of exercise items.At last,the researcher puts forward suggestions based on the current findings.It is hoped that this study can offer some useful advice to teachers and students so they may use e-learning system more effectively in their English teaching or learning.