Validation of an evaluation model for learning management systems

This study aims to validate a model for evaluating learning management systems (LMS) used in e-learning fields. A survey of 163 e-learning experts, regarding 81 validation items developed through literature review, was used to ascertain the importance of the criteria. A concise list of explanatory constructs, including two principle factors, was extracted from the responses of 133 respondents by exploratory factor analysis. Factor I was labeled as ‘instruction management, screen design, and technology’and factor II, ‘interaction and evaluation’. Factors I and II consisted of four and three sub-factors, respectively. Confirmatory factor analysis, in turn, was carried out to assess the degree to which the plausibility of factor models was empirically confirmed. Overall fit measures (RMSEA, CFI, NNFI indexes) showed the model to be quite suitable for LMS evaluation. Reliability estimates using Cronbach’s alpha indicated that the evaluation tool had good internal consistency. The overall results of the analyses suggest that this evaluation tool is highly instrumental for LMS.