Qualitative evaluation in e-learning

The purpose of this chapter is to discuss the methodological and theoretical assumptions of qualitative evaluation of e-learning. We will begin by discussing the need for evaluation of e-learning and the complexities behind the process. We will then discuss the theoretical foundations of objectivist-quantitative and constructivist-qualitative paradigms. We will examine the kinds of situations in which qualitative approaches to evaluation are more appropriate. The key message is that both quantitative and qualitative models have substantial contributions to make to e-learning evaluation. Issues such as types of research questions that are appropriate for qualitative evaluation will be discussed in detail and concrete examples will be presented. The discussion will address the interplay among the evaluator role, data collection procedures, data analysis, and standards of rigor in e-learning evaluation.