Measuring Performance and Evaluating Progress in a Web-Based Synchronous Interactive Learning Environment

Due to the increasing proliferation of courses and “courseware,” it is clear that there is a need for assessment of the effectiveness of online learning processes in order to provide “best practice” benchmarks. Similar to the focus on task-technology fit in design of human-computer systems, attention must be paid to “course-technology” fit and the goals of the stakeholders for each course that takes technologymediated form. Educational “value-added” depends on a mix of factors: pedagogical goals, personnel and technology budgets, and availability of connectivity, of educators who are capable facilitators, and of students who are skilled in accommodating new ways of learning. This work contributes positively to the conversation by presenting personal experience with deployment of technology-mediated course variations.