Research Paper Title

Seven Key Decision Factors for Selecting e-Learning.

Abstract

E-learning is increasingly being adopted as a routine instructional media, and has moved from a niche solution in the defence and aerospace industries, to one that is adopted across the vast majority of industries and within education worldwide. E-learning is not however suited for all types of learning outcome or for all instructional situations.

In this paper the researchers describe a new instructional media selection model which enables the assessment of suitability of e-learning to a particular learning outcome. Following a review of media selection theory, seven key decision areas were identified. These consideration areas are:

• Learning Task;
• Media Attributes;
• Grouping Strategy;
• Learning Context;
• Learner Characteristics;
• Instructional Management; and
• Cost Effectiveness.

The paper focuses on the identification of the key decision factors for selecting e-learning and the development of detailed guidance within each decision area to enable an assessment of suitability of e-learning to be made.

Finally, the researchers outline the dependencies and interactions between decision areas to illustrate the compromises inherent in instructional media selection, and to produce a model of these inter-relationships.

Document

Seven Key Decision Factors for Selecting e-Learning (Huddlestone & Pike, 2008)

Reference

Huddleston, J. & Pike, J. (2008) Seven Key Decision Factors for Selecting e-Learning. Cognition, Technology and Work. 10, pp.237-247.