An Evaluation of the Commonwealth of Learning section on Elearning for International Organisations

Abstract

This report includes an evaluation of the work of the Commonwealth of Learning’s (COL) eLearning with International Organisations (eLIO) section. Participants in the investigation included representative samples of the learners (n=15), their supervisors (n=5), and the COL staff, including all the eLIO staff (n=10). The methodology included an examination of all relevant documents, interviews forming a learning history, and a sample survey. The investigation concluded that the eLIO achieved their goals developing a distance learning model and meeting or exceededing identified objectives with a high degree of satisfaction expressed by all the participants. This include teaching + 2000 satisfied learners; partnering with eight international organizations; achieving a 62% female participation rate; a high completion rate (75%) in the courses provided; two new elearning courses tested, piloted and delivered; needs analyses; recruited/trained highly qualified tutors; monitoring; and the use of appropriate technologies. Shortcomings of the programmes include the lack of pre- and post-tests; little analysis of pricing structures; some unclear instructions (need for plain English); unclear copyright licensing; only very limited use of available OER software; and the absence of a succession plan for the manager. Based on the high level of satisfaction among all participants, it was recommended. that the section maintain its present work and address these shortcomings.