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Peer Review

eLearnReady

Reviewed:
Mar 8, 2019 by Psychology
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Ratings

Overall Rating: 4.5 stars
Content Quality: 4.5 stars
Effectiveness: 4.2 stars
Ease of Use: 4.5 stars
Overview:

eLearnReady is an assessment tool designed to examine a student's readiness level for participating in online courses. The measure consists of an assessment survey containing 43 questions that are centered around nine (9) core factors of student success. Upon completing the assessment, the student receives a comprehensive report that explains the findings and offers study tips (some of which are highlighted via student-created videos). 

This tool provides an excellent, research-based assessment that may be used individually by students. Faculty also have an option to generate a class-based report that provides a class profile. 

Type of Material:

Assessment Tool 

NOTE:  The site provides information about the research behind the measure. Some of the questions on the survey relate to a particular course while others address learning motivation. Several of these appear to have been adapted from those used in the MSLQ. The second half of the survey measures process-related skills (e.g., knowing how to upload a file). Students cannot get a report unless they answer all questions. The feedback report identifies areas in which a student may be higher or lower, and each score is accompanied by a small paragraph explaining this factor. Brief study tips accompany each of the sections and are highlighted by videos that show students following/ not following each tip. Student have the option to share this report with other people (e.g., tutor).  

Recommended Uses:

 

  • The assessment is useful for all students considering online courses or an online program. The study advice would assist students regardless of the format of their program.
  • This tool would work especially well for students about to start or who have recently started an online course.
Technical Requirements:

None. The site works well across multiple platforms and on multiple devices. 

Identify Major Learning Goals:

 

  • Students will assess their readiness for online classes.
  • Students will learn about possible strengths and areas for development as related to online learning. 
  • Students will understand how to address and utilize their strengths and weaknesses.
Target Student Population:

The assessment is for undergraduate students and also could be useful for high school students.

Prerequisite Knowledge or Skills:

None.

Content Quality

Rating:
Strengths:

 

  • The measure is grounded in research (some of which is shared on the site), and the reports for students offer good tips for studying based on the answers given.
  • This assessment covers all the key areas for successfully completing online work: self-motivation, self-management, preferences for feedback, interaction, reading and listening skills, use of technology, and using course management systems.
  • There is an option to share results via email with a tutor or other interested party; this would allow students to discuss their findings with someone else.
  • Brief student-created videos show students variously following (or not) the tips given.
  • For the educator there is an option to receive a breakdown of student responses; however, this is a paid service and was not tested as part of this review. (A demonstration of this service is available on the free version of the website.)
Concerns:

 

  • Students have to complete every question in order to receive a report, and there are no clear guidelines on how to remove participation-related information or how this data subsequently will be used.
  • Learning-wise this website does not offer material for students; rather, it offers the opportunity to take a measure which can then be used by the student or the instructor as the basis for follow-up conversation and advising.

Potential Effectiveness as a Teaching Tool

Rating:
Strengths:

 

  • Rather than providing general feedback for online coursework, the assessment provides beneficial individualized feedback. 
  • The site's videos provide examples of how to address issues in various areas related to online learning.
Concerns:

 

  • The tool is a self-assessment that is not associated with particular learning goals or assignments. Instructors who assign this assessment will want to design a follow-up process or activity for discussing best practices in online learning.

 

Ease of Use for Both Students and Faculty

Rating:
Strengths:

 

  • The assessment is easy to complete. Results are displayed on the screen and sent to the student's email address. The results can be reviewed immediately and referenced later. A link is provided to share with faculty, if desired.  
  • All of the links work, and the site is compatible with both desktop and mobile browsers.
  • Contact is via a web form, and this is compatible with voice-activated software.
  • The embedded videos are hosted on YouTube and the software is easy to navigate. 
Concerns:

 

  • In order to get the class-level report, it is necessary to subscribe to the site; however, there are no costs associated with the use of the individual tool. 
  • The videos are not associated with transcripts.
Other Issues and Comments:

None

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