Evaluation is a critical activity for any product or service. An eLearning module is not different in this respect.
Find Out Everything You Need To Know About PDPP
Nowadays, eLearning is the preferred method of education, be it academic courses offered by educational institutions or corporate training. Evaluating an eLearning module is necessary to ensure that the module is able to meet the learning objectives. There are various models for evaluating a learning module. One such model is the PDPP model. This model was developed by Weiyuan Zhang and Y L Cheng of the University of Hong Kong. They constructed a four-phase evaluation model.
PDPP stands for planning evaluation, development evaluation, process evaluation, and product evaluation.
- Planning evaluation assesses the quality of planning that was done before the development of the course. Planning is as critical as development. The common aspects covered include evaluation of market demand, feasibility, target student group, course objectives, finance, and quality assurance.
- Development evaluation assesses the various aspects of the actual development of the eLearning module. The common aspects covered include evaluation of blueprint, eLearning platform, course website, instructional design, learning resources, assignment and examination, and tutors.
- The process evaluation assesses the process that was followed in the development of the eLearning module. The common aspects covered include overall evaluation, technical support, website utilization, learning interaction, resources utilization, learning evaluation, learning support, and flexibility.
- The last stage is the product evaluation which assesses the impact of the eLearning module as a product offered by the developer organization. The common aspects covered include evaluation of the degree of satisfaction, the effectiveness of teaching, the effectiveness of learning, other outcomes, and sustainability.
There is a total of 26 parameters for which an eLearning module is evaluated. This makes it one of the most comprehensive evaluation models. It is also widely used for higher education eLearning courses.
Various studies conducted by researchers show that the PDPP model can be effectively used to ensure the quality of eLearning courses. It has become a benchmark for establishing quality in the courses offered by educational institutions.
Benefits Of The PDPP Model
The PDPP model, being a comprehensive model of evaluation, offers various benefits. Some of these are as follows:
- Evaluation of all aspects
The PDPP model takes care of all the aspects of an eLearning course. It goes beyond the developed module, its content, media, or user experience. Standard evaluation models limit the scope of evaluation to these factors only. However, the PDPP model does a comprehensive evaluation using 26 parameters from market study to the sustainability of the course. Such a comprehensive evaluation is missing from any other model. - Effectiveness
Evaluations done using the PDPP model have been found to be the most effective for the most detailed assessment of an eLearning course. - Enhancement
The PDPP model is based on the tested CIPP (Context, Input, Process, and Product) evaluation model. The PDPP, however, is more enhanced and better in its final outcome. - Quality feedback
Studies conducted by researchers revealed that the use of a systematic evaluation, such as the PDPP model, can be a feedback mechanism to make improvements in future courses. After all, we can all learn from our mistakes. - Benchmarking
PDPP evaluation can be used as a benchmark for future courses.
Demerits Of The PDPP Model
The PDPP model has some demerits also.
- Not an ongoing model
The PDPP model can be applied after the implementation of the course. Thus, it cannot be used as a quality control model, but just as a quality evaluation model. - Needs expertise in various fields
The PDPP model encompasses the widest variety of activities to be evaluated. Thus, it demands people with different skill sets. - Time-consuming
The PDPP model is very time-consuming. This is obvious from its comprehensive nature of evaluation.
With the increasing demand for eLearning courses, it is becoming even more essential to conduct their evaluation from various points of view.
Educational institutions invest a lot of money and resources in creating a course. On the other hand, students invest a lot of money and time in these courses.
The courses must thus be carefully evaluated based on all parameters and not just academic ones.
The PDPP evaluation model gives us a compressive way to evaluate all aspects of an eLearning course right from its market research to its sustainability. If implemented with rigor, the PDPP model can help to raise the quality of eLearning to a great extent.