Embedding Quality in e-Learning Implementation through Evaluation

In relation to quality, evaluation is often used synonymously with quality assurance and monitoring processes (Ehlers et al, 2004). However, evaluation has other purposes, such as for development and knowledge (Chelimsky & Shadish, 1997). In this paper, I present a view of evaluation as an instrument of quality enhancement rather than quality assurance, one that can be used creatively and powerfully to strengthen an initiative. The case example is a five-year evaluation study of an institution-wide implementation of e-learning. The evaluation framework developed for this study has been constructed with three purposes in mind: monitoring, development, and knowledge. In this paper, I argue that the participatory nature of the devised evaluation framework has enhanced the quality of the initiative and afforded its embedding within pedagogical, technological, cultural, and organisational domains.