Evaluating Networked Learning: Developing A Multi-Disciplinary, Multi-Method Approach

Abstract

There has been considerable interest and activity throughout the last decade in the design and implementation of networked learning initiatives in higher education. Many of these initiatives have been evaluated subsequently at institutional or consortial/regional level and the findings disseminated. It is more unusual however to find evaluation of networked learning innovation being undertaken at sectoral level on a nationwide basis. This chapter charts the development and outlines the key characteristics of a research methodology for evaluating large-scale networked learning initiatives. The methodology was developed, and subsequently refined and adapted, through a series of evaluative research commissions undertaken by the Learning Technology in Higher Education (LTHE) Research Group in the Department of Higher and Community Education at the University of Edinburgh.