Evaluating E-Learning Courses based on First Principles of Instruction and Motivational Design

The present study was conducted with the aim of evaluating e-learning courses based on Merrill's first principles of instruction and Keller's motivational design and its correlation with learning progress and satisfaction in higher education. In this correlational research, 546 undergraduate students of Iranian universities participating in e-learning courses were selected as a sample by multi-stage cluster sampling method. The evaluation of the quality of the courses was done using the evaluation tool for effective instruction quality based on first principles of instruction and motivational - volitional design for which the reliability coefficient was 0.79. The learning progress was measured using learning progress scale for which the reliability coefficient was 0.75. The level of satisfaction from the course was measured by course satisfaction scale for which the reliability coefficient was 0.83. The results of correlation tests, analysis of variance and multivariate regression showed a positive and significant correlation between the integration of first principles of instruction and motivational-volitional elements with learning progress and student satisfaction. Meanwhile, the activation, demonstration, integration, problem solving, attention, communication, self-regulation and environmental control principles and elements showed the highest correlation with these variables. In general, the results indicated a significant relationship between first principles of instruction and motivational design with the quality of e-learning courses.