What are the best practices for evaluating the impact of technology on learning outcomes?

1 Needs analysis

Before you choose or develop any technology-based solution for your learning goals, you need to conduct a needs analysis . This is a systematic process of identifying and analyzing the gaps, problems, and opportunities in your current situation, and defining the desired outcomes and criteria for success. A needs analysis can help you clarify the purpose, scope, and context of your technology intervention, and align it with the needs and expectations of your learners, stakeholders, and organization.

3 Evaluation methods

There are different methods and tools that you can use to evaluate the impact of technology on learning outcomes, depending on your evaluation questions, data sources, and indicators. Some common methods include surveys, interviews, focus groups, observations, tests, quizzes, portfolios, rubrics, analytics, and feedback systems. You can use a combination of quantitative and qualitative methods, and formative and summative evaluations, to capture a comprehensive and balanced picture of your technology intervention's strengths and weaknesses.

4 Data collection

Data collection is the process of gathering and organizing the information that you need to answer your evaluation questions and measure your indicators. You need to ensure that your data collection methods are valid, reliable, ethical, and feasible. You also need to consider how you will store, manage, and protect your data, and how you will deal with any challenges or limitations that may arise during data collection. Data collection can provide you with valuable insights into the processes and outcomes of your technology intervention.

5 Data analysis

Data analysis is the process of interpreting and making sense of the data that you have collected. You need to use appropriate techniques and tools to analyze your data, such as descriptive and inferential statistics, thematic analysis, content analysis, or sentiment analysis. You also need to check the quality and accuracy of your data, and identify any patterns, trends, gaps, or anomalies. Data analysis can help you answer your evaluation questions and draw conclusions about the impact of technology on learning outcomes.

6 Data use

Data use is the process of applying and communicating the findings and recommendations from your data analysis. You need to use your data to inform and improve your practice, and to share your results and lessons learned with your learners, stakeholders, and organization. You also need to reflect on your evaluation process and outcomes, and identify any areas for further improvement or research. Data use can help you demonstrate and enhance the value and effectiveness of your technology intervention.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?