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Top1. Introduction
E-learning system is an internet based service like the application system or the internet based virtual course study service (this paper argues this service to be a part of the e-Learning system). This system is able to be interpreted in various ways such as ‘‘computer based, education delivery system which is provided through the Internet,’’ or ‘‘an educational method that is able to provide opportunities for the needed people, at the right place, with the right contents, and the right time’’ (Song, 2000). The e-Learning system is one of many methods of the education (the teaching and learning procedure) that allows flexible learner-centered education (Piccoli et al., 2001). It is an information system based on the World Wide Web. E-Learning provides an inter-disciplinary approach to information technology and educational engineering, and an assessment of e-Learning effectiveness could also be achieved (Wang, 2003). As of IT, the end user assessment, the quality of the information system, and the system’s user satisfaction could be measured. To review the existing literature of e-learning we confront with following researches.
For comparing the e-learning system and traditional learning system, two comprehensive studies are illustrated. Mahdavi et al. (2008) compared traditional system with virtual educational system statistically in Iran. In this way, by the means of economical equations and statistical analysis they illustrated an in depth survey. Finally, by the means of hypothesis testing, they illustrated the best option for educational system is the combination of both systems. Fazlollahtabar and Sharma (2008) compared traditional engineering educational system with the e-learning engineering educational system on the economic dimension using hypothesis testing approach in Iran. The comparison involved trend analysis and prediction based on costs and benefits of the two systems. Interestingly, the analysis revealed that the traditional system had greater advantage on the economic dimension. Several factors support the e-learning system despite the associated economic disadvantage. The final analysis provided results in favor of a blended system which takes advantage of the traditional and e-learning systems.
Different studies have been worked out on cost optimization within e-learning environment. Mahdavi et al. (2008) identified varied cost elements in e-learning educational system and optimized them by the means of mathematical programming. Then they proposed an effective method to estimate the learning cost between any two skills of learner using the grey relational analysis. Mahdavi et al. (2008) developed their previous study combining the grey relational analysis and a radial basis function network to estimate the learning cost between any two skills after identification of varied cost elements in e-learning educational system and optimization by the means of mathematical programming. Fazlollahtabar and Yousefpoor (2009) applied the cost elements in the e-learning educational systems and proposed a combination of grey relational analysis and a radial basis function network to estimate the learning cost between any two skills. An integer programming method was employed to demonstrate that it is possible to facilitate the acquisition of single skills by considering a set of useful compound skills.