eLearning Options: Surveys

Online learning uses technology to deliver a variety of formal and informal options to deliver the learning experience. One of these options is the use of surveys. This post will briefly explore the description, instructional value, development and costs associated with use of surveys in the elearning environment.

Surveys are commonly used to develop hard evidence on the effectiveness of the instructional programs and improvement needed. Data gathered from a survey is usually obtained from the participants, educators, or a specific community of members (i.e., particular specialty or niche market).

If properly designed, surveys will gather self-assessment, opinion measures, attitudinal measures or, at the very least, the participants' perceptions on the learning experience and whether it was successful or not.

The instructional value from the data obtained from a survey is low, however, and in terms of feedback it is quite valuable. The educator should plan on taking approximately 1 to 2 weeks to properly develop a survey for distribution. Costs associated with the development and delivery of a survey are, however, low making them quite useful in situations where the training budget is limited.

The educator should not rule out the use of surveys from time to time as the feedback gained from the participants self-assessment and perception of the learning experience can help to enhance and improve future sessions. In terms of development time, cost and delivery associated with use of the survey the educator will find these to be low and affordable making them a good tool to use from time to time.

Copyright M. A. Webb, 2005. All Rights Reserved.

Source: http://WeTrainU.blogspot.com

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