ABSTRACT
In this chapter we examine the critical role played by evaluation and assessment in ensuring the quality of an e-learning experience. Although the terms evaluation and assessment have occasionally been used synonymously, we prefer to differentiate between the two terms. Assessment is used, in this text, to refer to the critical role in formal education of assessing students’ attainment of educational objectives. Such assessment is, by necessity, multifaceted and can include: acquisition of skills and behavioural competencies; competency in applying cognitive skills, including capacity to apply critical and creative solutions to complex problems; and attitudinal demeanour, including capacity to be critical, supportive, enthusiastic, or sceptical as required in any given context. Generally, assessment occurs throughout the course, thereby providing formative feedback to students, and at the completion of the course providing summative information on learning accomplishments to both student and instructor.
