New MCEQLS fuzzy AHP methodology for evaluating learning repositories: a tool for technological development of economy

Abstract

The paper aims to present a new methodology to evaluate the quality of features and functionality of learning object repositories (LORs). The quality of features and functionality of LORs is analysed in terms of engaging LOR users and content producers. Thus, it can be referred to as quality-in-use of LORs. This methodology consists of creation and consequent application of methods and the model for the quality-in-use of LORs. LOR The model of the quality-in-use of LORs is presented in this paper. The methodology for evaluating the quality-in-use of LORs is based on the general MCEQLS (Multiple Criteria Evaluation of the Quality of Learning Software) approach to evaluate the quality of learning software. The essential part of the novel methodology is the application of improved Fuzzy AHP method to establish criteria weights of the quality-in-use of LORs. It is shown that the created methodology is suitable and stable for evaluating the quality of LOR features and its functionality. A more detail presentation is given on the results of the expert evaluation of the quality-in-use of three LORs that are most popular in Lithuania against the proposed methodology. The novelty of the presented research is achieved through the innovative instrument consisting of the model of the quality-in-use of LORs and the Fuzzy AHP method. The presented methodology could serve as a technological tool for decision making in education as well as in different areas of economy.

Keywords:

• alternative
• criteria
• decision making
• information technology
• learning
• multiple criteria decision analysis
• quality
• weight

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Eugenijus Kurilovas

Eugenijus KURILOVAS is Associate Professor at Vilnius Gediminas Technical University and Senior Research Scientist at the Institute of Mathematics and Informatics of Vilnius University. Dr E. Kurilovas is a member of 36 committees of international scientific journals and conferences, he has published over 80 scientific papers and 6 books, and participated in over 30 EU-funded R&D projects and studies. He is guest editor of the “Journal of Universal Computer Science”, “Computers in Human Behavior”, and “International Journal of Engineering Education”, and reviewer in 12 journals abstracted/indexed in Thomson ISI Web of Science. He is also the author of 13 best paper awards at international conferences. Dr E. Kurilovas is honoured as TOP 100 Scientist – 2014 by the International Biographical Centre, Cambridge, and his biographical records are included in: Who is Who in the World – 2014 and 2015 (31^st and 32^nd Edition); 2000 Outstanding Intellectuals of the 21st Century – 2014 (8^th Edition); Who is Who in Science and Engineering – 2016–2017 (12^th Edition); Dictionary of International Biography – 2014 and 2015 (37^th and 38^th Edition).

Irina Vinogradova

Irina VINOGRADOVA is Chief Specialist at the Distance Studies Centre at Vilnius Gediminas Technical University. She received her PhD in Informatics at the Institute of Mathematics and Informatics of Vilnius University. Dr I. Vinogradova has published a number of scientific papers in international journals.

Svetlana Kubilinskiene

Svetlana KUBILINSKIENE is Research Scientist at the Institute of Mathematics and Informatics of Vilnius University and Lecturer at Vilnius College. Dr S. Kubilinskiene has published a number of scientific papers in international journals and participated in a number of R&D projects.