Background

Learning outcomes (LOs) are most often defined as statements of what a learner is expected to know, understand, or be able to do at the end of a learning process. LOs are base for the Bologna process, but they also represent foundations for comparability of qualifications and qualification frameworks, student centered education, curriculum development, ECTS, recognition of previously acquired knowledge, quality assurance in education, diploma supplements etc. Student learning is largely driven by assessment. E-assessment is critical to achievement of intended LOs in e-learning.

The TALOE (Time to Assess Learning Outcomes in E-learning) project approaches the e-assessment concept by using technology for assessing students’ learning. The project is building on the foundations of previous developments on this issue like:

  • the ALOA model, created in a PhD thesis “Alignment of Learning Outcomes and Assessment”, which uses the revised version of Bloom’s Taxonomy to establish the link between the LOs and general assessment methods and the TALOE project uses the same methodology but by adapting it to the specific context of e-learning and e-assessment;
  • the outcomes of the VIRQUAL project, in particular the template for describing the Learning Outcomes.