E-Learning Curve Blog

Using readiness surveys when evaluating e-learning

During this series of posts about evaluating non-formal learning programs using qualitative methods, I have already mentioned carrying out an e-learning readiness survey; but I did not characterize or discuss how to implement such a research instrument.

This was deliberate. Now read on…

In my view, e-learning readiness surveys represent an ‘alpha and an omega’ of evaluation: on one level they are the starting point for any evaluation of an organization’s learning initiative, on another level they define an organization’s ability to implement an effective e-learning strategy.

As such, these surveys are a bridge between the theory and the practice of implementing a learning program. Readiness surveys enable the learning practitioner to understand and measure

1. the effectiveness of organizational learning and
2. to identify the critical factors for success when developing learning programs.

I have found Marc J. Rosenberg’s E-Learning Readiness Survey to be a very effective instrument to evaluate both the effectiveness of an organization’s learning strategy, and one of the foundations of any serious evaluation of the effectiveness of learning programs. According to Marc’s schema, the survey is distributed across seven areas of understanding:

1. Business readiness
2. The changing nature of learning and e-learning
3. Value of instructional and information design
4. Change management
5. Reinventing the training organization
6. The e-learning industry
7. Your personal commitment

The questions provided in this survey represent some of the most important strategic issues organizations face when transitioning to e-learning. Certainly there are additional questions and issues that deserve attention; I suggest you review the approach taken in the survey, then add your own, organization-specific items as required.

More next time…

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Downloads: Marc J. Rosenberg’s E-learning Readiness Survey

References: Rosenberg, M. J. (2006) Beyond e-Learning. San Francisco, CA: John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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July 26 2010 03:30 pm | e-learning

One Response to “Using readiness surveys when evaluating e-learning”

1. Is your Organization Ready for E-Learning? | E-Learning Curve Blog on 03 Aug 2010 at 3:32 pm #

   [...] week I discussed the value of e-learning readiness surveys as part of an overall strategy to evaluate the effectiveness of non-formal learning initiatives in [...]