Improved Fuzzy AHP Methodology for Evaluating Quality of Distance Learning Courses

The aim of the paper is to present a new methodology for evaluating quality of distance learning courses (DLC). DLC quality management is one of the main parts of the overall knowledge management activities in Higher Education institutions. The methodology proposed consists of creation of DLC quality model (i.e. criteria system), and consecutive application of several stages of new quality evaluation method based both on Fuzzy and Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) methods. Since DLC consists of two parts i.e. the content of the course and particular learning methods implemented by application of services and tools provided by virtual learning environments (VLE), DLC quality model should consist both of online content quality criteria, and VLE quality criteria. Since quality is a very complicated notion depending on multiple criteria, one should use multiple criteria decision analysis theory to create DLC alternatives' evaluation methodology. Evaluation method proposed consists of application of MCEQLS (multiple criteria evaluation of the quality of learning software) approach using triangular Fuzzy numbers to elaborate the ratings (values) of the quality criteria, and criteria weights elaboration method based on Fuzzy and AHP methods. The last method is absolutely novel in scientific literature.