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authors of Interactive Learning Systems Evaluation focused on evaluating
interactive learning systems so anyone involved in designing, producing,
marketing, implementing, or using these systems can make better decisions.
People involved with interactive learning systems (instructional designers,
project managers, subject-matter experts, training personnel, educators,
learners, etc.) must make decisions on a regular basis. Some decisions
are made on the basis of habit or tradition, others may be guided
by politics or prejudice, a few may be guided by superstition or intuition,
and far too many are founded on ignorance or best guesses. Ideally,
decisions should be informed by timely, accurate information. That’s
where evaluation comes in. Evaluation should be conducted to provide
decision-makers with the information they need to make the best possible
decisions. The better information provided by evaluation doesn’t
guarantee that the best decisions will be made. After all, traditions
and politics are powerful forces in virtually any context. However,
high quality information provided to decision-makers in a timely manner
certainly improves the likelihood that decision-making will be enhanced.
The book
encompasses six functions or levels of evaluation that are keyed
to the major stages involved in the design, development, and implementation
of interactive learning systems or products such as multimedia DVD’s,
Web-based training, electronic performance support systems, and
e-learning solutions. Various chapters in the book link evaluation
procedures and tools to specific design and implementation activities
to help novice, as well as experienced, evaluators plan, conduct,
and report better evaluations. Many of the methods and tools in
this book can be used for multiple functions. This associated Web
site includes downloadable tools and guidance about how to use them
in various types of evaluation. Although the print version of the
book is obviously “fixed” in terms of its content, this
Web site is a dynamic resource that will be enhanced based upon
the feedback we receive from you and other readers. Revisions will
also be informed by advancements in the area of evaluation as they
evolve. Please contact the authors to provide feedback and suggestions
for improving this Website as well as any future editions of the
book. |
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Dr. Thomas C. Reeves is a professor of instructional technology at The University of Georgia where he teaches program evaluation, multimedia design, and research courses. Since receiving his Ph.D. at Syracuse University in 1979, he has developed and evaluated numerous interactive multimedia programs for both education and training. In addition to numerous presentations and workshops in the USA, he has been an invited speaker in other countries including Australia, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, China, England, Finland, Malaysia, Peru, Russia, South Africa, Sweden, Switzerland, and Taiwan. He is a past president of the Association for the Development of Computer-based Instructional Systems (ADCIS) and a former Fulbright Lecturer. In 1995, he was selected as one of the “Top 100” people in multimedia by Multimedia Producer magazine, and he was the editor of the Journal of Interactive Learning Research from 1997-2000. He has been a keynote speaker, invited speaker, and frequent tutorial instructor at previous ED-MEDIA conferences. He co-chaired the 1997 ED-MEDIA conference in Calgary and the 2002 E-Learn conference in Montreal. |
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Dr. John Hedberg is Professor of Instructional Science in the Centre for Research in Pedagogy and Practice. He was formerly Professor of Education and Director of emlab (educational media laboratory) at the University of Wollongong. He was also for many years the Associate Dean of the Faculty of Education and Head of the Graduate School of Education at the University of Wollongong. His teaching and research interests focus upon cognitive strategies, interface design for learning with information and communications technologies, and implementation and evaluation of technology based learning. He has also written widely on policy aspects of new technologies in education. Dr Hedberg is currently the Editor-in-Chief of Educational Media International, published by Taylor and Francis London, a refereed journal for those interested in the application of media and technology in learning contexts throughout the world. He also has wide experience as a professional video producer and in the design of open and distance learning programs. He was the executive producer for the Australia on CD project “StageStruck: Theatre Interactive” which won a number of multimedia awards including the 1998 Gold EMMA (European Multimedia Award) and the 1998 BAFTA (British Academy of Film and Television Arts) Interactive Treatment award. http://www.nie.edu.sg/html/crpp_john-hedberg.htm
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