New methods and techniques

1 Hassan Ahmed, Department of Communication Systems, Lancaster University, Lancaster, LA1 4YR [email protected] 2 Lampros K Stergioulas, Department of Communication Systems, Lancaster University, Lancaster, LA1 4YR [email protected] 3 Costa S Xydeas, Department of Communication Systems, Lancaster University, Lancaster, LA1 4YR [email protected] Abstract  The UNIVERSAL Exchange for Pan-European Higher Education aims to provide an open exchange/brokerage service for e-learning resources between institutions of higher education across Europe and elsewhere in the world. In order to ensure that the brokerage system offers Learning Resources of the highest quality, a characteristic that is crucial to its success, the system collects from users quality-related information, which can then be processed and displayed to users as need arises. This introduces a market-driven selection mechanism on learning resources and ensures that learning resource quality is continuously improved. This paper addresses the issues involved in the development of a generic “on-line” evaluation engine for “live”, “packaged”, as well as hybrid learning resources, and the use of this engine in providing useful, up-to-date information on available learning resources to users. Key to the development of such evaluation modality is the critical design trade-off between the contradictive requirements of complexity/completeness and the need for simplification in order to improve user satisfaction and user-friendliness. Results from real-life testing and user feedback are also reported and analyzed. The design/development process embraces a formative as well as a summative evaluation approach.