Organizational Approach to the Ergonomic Examination of E-Learning Modules

Abstract

With a significant increase in the number of e-learning resources the issue of quality is of current importance. An analysis of existing scientific and methodological literature shows the variety of approaches, methods and tools to evaluate e-learning materials. This paper proposes an approach based on the procedure for estimating parameters of local factors and receiving the integral index of usability quality of e-learning modules. We present a mathematical model which serves as a basis for the automated procedures for expertise. The use of fuzzy logic allows to reduce greatly the complexity of evaluating the formation of a repository of e-learning modules. The proposed approach is focused on the situation, when the university has amassed a large number of e-learning modules that have to be assessed in terms of ergonomics; is able to use experts in ergonomics and organization of e-learning (the experts can provide, as a rule, qualitative assessment); is limited in resources on the development of special software for evaluation of e-learning modules; is forced by the need to reduce the cost of expertise to be limited to considering only the main quality indicators that have the greatest impact on the ergonomics of e-learning modules. For automation of the ergonomic examination procedures a MatLab system is used, in particular Fuzzy Logic Toolbox. Application of the well-known mathematical tools and widely used means of processing expert qualitative assessments can significantly reduce the cost of the expertise.

Keywords

• e-learning module
• expertise
• usability evaluation
• fuzzy logic