Evaluating an Online Programming Instructional Process Organized Through Elaboration Theory

This article draws on a semester design study to evaluate the quality of an online from the point of e-learning. Adobe Connect web conferencing system was used as a delivery platform in an Introductory Programming course. The course content was specifically sequenced and elaborated in terms of elaboration theory (ET). Thirty pre-service computer teachers enrolled in instructional technologies department online program were participated to the study. The evaluation criteria included dimensions of e-learning in which both qualitative and quantitative data was used. The results indicated that the online course almost met the seven dimensions of e-learning in order to provide high quality learning outcomes. Elaborating the content provided positive contributions to the dimensions of content, interaction, learning and support. Along with the results, some implications were provided for elaborating and evaluating the content for online courses.