Evaluating On-line Teaching

One important area to consider in a contemporary, open distance-learning course which incorporates technology, is the human-technology interface encapsulated in the human-computer interface (HCI). It is normally expected that development of a course will be founded in sound educational theory and that enactment of this theory, together with HCI theory, will have implications for student cognition, attitudes, interaction, access to knowledge and individualisation. HCI theory also informs the teaching strategies employed. It is argued that so important are these considerations, a new framework for evaluation of open distance-education courses involving technology must be devised. It is hoped that, by highlighting this aspect of contemporary education, evaluation will lead to improved interfaces and resultant improved learning by the students.