Measuring efficiency and effectiveness of knowledge transfer in e-learning

Abstract

With e-learning rapidly gaining popularity, evaluating its effectiveness and efficiency has become a challenge in public education, the public sector, and the corporate sector. Measuring knowledge transfer is crucial in any learning process, but e-learning lacks validated methods for this. Here we examine ways to evaluate that particularly in case of e-learning, conducting a literature review to assess available measurement solutions, developing an evaluation method for knowledge transfer, and validating the method. Using logged data from e-courses, it is possible to assess the knowledge transfer in e-learning. We describe a novel method for classifying effectiveness and efficiency with measured values and measurement instruments. The new measurement method was aligned with a data set of an existing learning management system, and the effectiveness and efficiency of knowledge transfer was analysed using quantitative means, including descriptive statistics, regression modelling, and cluster analysis based on a specific e-learning course. This newly elaborated and validated knowledge transfer measurement technique could be a useful tool for anyone wanting to evaluate e-learning courses and can also serve as a baseline for academics to further develop or implement it on larger empirical datasets.