Think ahead: evaluation and standardisation issues for e-learning applications

Abstract

Developing an e-learning application requires much effort, even when sophisticated authoring tools are used. In this process, knowledgeable authors of learning material and knowledge engineers skilled in using e-learning technology are not the only important players; software engineers and web application developers often play major roles as well. The requirement of producing high-quality, effective learning systems is deeply related to their evaluation and to designing them so as to conform to the emerging standards for learning technology systems. This paper focuses on these two issues and surveys current major trends in the evaluation of e-learning systems and in bringing them as close as possible to standards. Both issues have recently attracted much more attention than before, especially in the context of web-based education.