Measuring the success of virtual tutoring

Starting in the Spring of 1996, the Del E. Webb School of Construction (DEWSC) at Arizona State University (USA) implemented a new system of teaching engineering courses. The lectures became more like social events, with issues being discussed rather than merely presented. Performance measurements that were developed and performed, as well as the comments of the students, indicate that the system has been very successful. The system combines the advantages of distance education (mainly WWW and email communication) with the use of classical textbooks and cooperative learning to enhance the preparation of students BETWEEN lectures. The students can also use the services of a "virtual tutor". The virtual tutor offers quick-response help through email. This paper describes the adopted method and focuses on the measurements that were developed to assess the success and effectiveness of the system.