Evaluation of learning performance of e-learning in China: a methodology based on change of internal mental model of learners

This paper presents a method of assessment on how Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) and animation influence the psychological process of learning by comparing a traditional web design course and an e-learning web design course, based on the Change of Internal Mental Model of Learners. We constructed the e-learning course based on Gagne’s learning theory and theory of instructional design; and designed and analyzed questionnaires on the psychological process of learning in order to measure the change in a learner’s mental model and performance. The result shows that HCI and animation features of e-learning have been proved to positively influence learners’ cognitive perception and structuring, while the psychological process of learning as a whole is positively influenced by these technological features. In addition, the result indicates that the learning theory can be applied during the process of designing e-learning courses, and the theory of cognitive psychology is successfully used in measuring both a learner’s psychological process of learning and changes in the mental model.