Identification of Critical Parameters Affecting an E-Learning Recommendation Model Using Delphi Method Based on Expert Validation

Round 1

Reviewer 1 Report

The writing style needs to be improved. Some sentences can be smaller and straightforward.  

Also, emotive language should be avoided (e.g. Introduction, line 1: an ingenious method?).

In addition, some claims are misleading. E.g. Introduction, line 2: ‘It has emerged as the most popular and straightforward method of learning’.  But what e-learning are you referring to? E-learning varies from a MOOC (that is not even part of formal education) to good quality distance learning programmes. I think that the introduction makes claims without unpacking terms in a careful manner.

Introduction, Sentence 5: ‘E-learning can give more adaptable behavior compared to traditional learning, which supports only one educational model in a particular classroom setting while giving students the same course materials without taking into account their individual needs, preferences, or traits’. This is just another problematic claim. How do we know that traditional earning does not take into consideration the needs of the individuals who prefer to study in this environment?  

The analysis should be re-written while taking into consideration how to unpack certain terms, without creating false impressions.

Author Response

Dear Reviewer 1, 

Please see the attachment. Thank you for your constructive feedback to improve the quality of our research.

Best regards,

Author Response File: Author Response.docx

Reviewer 2 Report

Dear Authors,

I read your research with great interest. I think that this manuscript is important regarding the identification of the most important parameters/variables, which have a role in optimizing the teaching and learning process in the virtual environment, by using the Delphi Method. The article is logically structured, many references are used to justify the necessity of the study and the results obtained. I can suggest some minor revisions to improve the current version:

1. It would be useful to specify the time frame in which the research took place and the duration of each stage.

2. Is the level of use/implementation of e-learning similar in the 3 countries in your study (Yemen, Libya and Iraq)?

3. It would be useful to specify that you ensured the anonymity of the 7 experts throughout the research.

4. Were there any experts who withdrew during the study?

5. Line 204: Specify the version of SPSS used in the statistical processing of the results.

6. Line 250: 3.3.2 Iteration two results. I think it's Iteration number 3.3.3 / third iteration.

7. At the beginning of the study you defined 20 parameters/variables that influence the e-learning process (tables 1 and 2). By applying the Delphi Method and the progressive elimination by experts (convergence of opinions) only 10 parameters remained. Their ranking and importance are represented in figure 2 and table 4. Is there any other order/importance of these parameters in the analyzed studies (especially for countries where e-learning is developed at a higher level)?

Author Response

Dear Reviewer 2, 

Please see the attachment. Thank you for your constructive feedback to improve the quality of our research.

Best regards,

Author Response File: Author Response.docx

Round 2

Reviewer 1 Report

Thank you.