Combined Evaluation of a Virtual Learning Environment: Use of Qualitative Methods and Log Interpretation to Evaluate a Computer Mediated Language Course

In this paper we are going to present the process of evaluation of AutoLearn a blended language learning platform. The data collected through this evaluation in real instruction settings allow us to discuss the usefulness and suitability of a combined methodology to evaluate language learning platforms. The evaluation is mainly focused in the usability of the platform but taking into account also some didactic and linguistic aspects concerning the language learning process. With the aim of gathering all this data we are carrying out an evaluation combining exploratory methods, such as questionnaires and observations, and the analysis of the user navigation through the platform (logs). In these sense, the objective of our work is test the usefulness of this combined evaluation framework in AutoLearn, and, subsequently, develop a methodology for the analysis and evaluation of computer mediated language learning environments in general.