Tools for Evaluation of Learning in Online Discussion Forums: a practical and theoretical contribution

In this article we will introduce three instruments intended for the analysis of asynchronous communication in virtual learning environments, in particular in social networks. These instruments are meant to assess the three theoretical points that, according to Garrison, Anderson and Archer (2000), determine the occurrence of an effective educational experience in online environments: social presence, cognitive presence and presence of teaching. For this purpose we will start by characterizing those concepts, following with the presentation of our analysis grids and validated from original instruments proposed by the authors. Then, we will discuss the results of the implementation of the instruments to the analysis of the discussion forums of a social network, analyzing both its advantages and the constraints arising from their use. Therefore, we expect to contribute to the improvement of the processes of analysis and assessment of learning outcomes in online environment.