Within the context of formative and summative evaluation, data may be collected through quantitative and qualitative methods. It is recommended that a mix of both techniques be used in online course evaluation.

Quantitative evaluation:

• Involves asking questions that can be statistically tabulated and analyzed, frequently using a scale, check list, or yes/no responses
• Limits student responses to the designated categories; therefore, fresh ideas and unique points of view outside the provided response categories are not registered
• Provides objective data that could be utilized to justify the existence of an instructor and/or course to the administration

It is recommended that an instructor use the same quantitative evaluation, unchanged, over several iterations of an online course to determine whehter he or she is making progress in weak areas. New questions may be added, but it helps to keep the old questions in place to establish a baseline and determine where progress is being made.