ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the mapping of evaluation-research activities against the various stages of the e-learning life cycle, and draws in aspects of learning, initially through the learning environment, learning processes and learning outcomes framework. It utilizes use this mapping to unpack the different stages of a cyclical e-learning evaluation-research program in a way which uses a consistent, conceptual framework at each stage. An e-learning development project, like any software development, starts with an analysis of the problem, identifying needs and defining the requirements of the solution. Design evaluation involves making judgements about the documented design of the learning environment. Project-management evaluation makes judgements about, and suggests improvements to, the conduct of an e-learning development project. Effectiveness research mixes components of evaluation and research, seeking to confirm the effectiveness of the e-learning environment and develop understanding of how learners engage with learning tasks to demonstrate learning outcomes.
