The use of Behavioural Anchored Rating Scales (BARS) in the identification of the competencies required to be an effective e-learner

Abstract

E-learning is becoming increasingly common in many Australian universities. However, little is known about what skills students require to be effective e-learners. This methodological paper describes the use of Behavioural Anchored Rating Scales (BARS) in the preliminary phase of a study designed to capture, in multidimensional, behavioural specific terms, the competencies required for effective e-learning at tertiary level. These competencies were identified by two separate panels of domain related experts. This paper provides a background of the BARS process, an overview of the panel process and a discussion of its implementation.