Quality assurance measures built into the instructional design process evaluate effectiveness as the program is developed. Indicators such as implementation and maintenance costs for training sites, employer and learner satisfaction measures, labor market outcomes of job placements and earnings portray overall program effectiveness. Design documents to obtain information from customers as to the training program's effectiveness. Design documents to collect data pertaining to enrollment, retention, completion, job placement, job retention or continued education. Develop strategies for continued evaluation and enhancements.
Formative evaluation occurs as part of the development process.
Feedback from real learners using early versions of the developed materials help improve the final program. When the program has been completed and implemented as planned, a summative evaluation examines the program, not for revision, but for acceptance and general effectiveness. The main function of formative evaluation is to identify and correct any design flaws during the process of instructional development. By collecting data and information during instructional development, designers can test and improve program effectiveness. There are many approaches to performing a formative evaluation.