Evaluating E-Learning Readiness in a Health Sciences Higher Education Institution

An e-learning readiness evaluation is critical to the success of an e-learning strategy, identifying issues that should be considered before and during an e-learning intervention. This paper describes a model to evaluate the e-learning readiness of a Higher Education Institution and reports the results of its application in ESTSP, a Porto’s Allied Health Sciences Higher Education Institution. Documentation review, observation and two questionnaires were applied to collect data. The first questionnaire gathered information about students ’ skills, their access to equipment and perceptions on e-learning. 273 students answered the questionnaire resulting in 17 % response rate. Professors ’ questionnaire gathered information about ICT usage and skills, access to equipment and e-learning experience. 29 professors answered the questionnaire, almost half (49%) of ESTSP’s full time professors. It was found that student’s access to computers and Internet, one of the major initial concerns, was not as low as initially expected. Yet, this doesn’t attenuate the need to invest in infrastructures, which lack was identified by professors and students. Together with the financial dimension, this is an area were ESTSP has a low e-learning readiness. Faculty skills are also an issue to consider.