A Framework for Evaluating the Effectiveness of Blended E-learning within Universities

Since the inception of e-learning technologies, there has been an increase in the use of e-learning systems to support blended learning in Universities by providing a mix of face-to-face classroom teaching, live e-learning, self-paced e-learning and distance learning. Despite the existing benefits of using e-learning, some higher education institutions have not utilised e-learning to its full potential and yet there are limited studies that offer a comprehensive framework for effectively using e-learning systems. It is therefore imperative that learning technologists understand the factors that influence the effectiveness of blended e-learning. An expert survey was conducted to establish which factors are important for evaluating the effectiveness of e-learning systems. This paper describes a methodological framework for assessing the effectiveness of e-learning within Universities. The framework will act as a guiding tool for further research into ways of effectively planning, implementing and improving blended e-learning within Universities.