This research addresses the assessment of Higher-Order Thinking Skills (HOTS), such as metacognition, reflection, and problem-solving, in Virtual Learning Environments (VLEs). We particularly focus on the use of process metrics, their combinations, and various analysis methods that allow VLE platforms to perform automated HOTS assessments. Traditional learning I like to thank Peggy Hartwick for being my research partner first and then becoming a dear friend. Her being with me on this journey made the path a lot easier, meaningful, and fun. I like to thank the School of Linguistics and Applied Language Studies (SLaLS), John Osborne, and Randall Gess. Thank you for believing in this research and supporting the proposed 3D Virtual Carleton initiative.Hossain Samar Qorbani, thank you for sharing your talent and creating a special app for us to use in our research. Very much appreciated! Maryam Abdinejad, it was indeed a pleasure collaborating with you on our research. Your professionalism and attention to detail was impressive.Thank you very much Lois Frankel for reading my thesis in advance and providing the most valuable feedback on how to improve and better word some of my thoughts and findings.My friend and project partner, Walter Krumshyn, thank you for lending me your technical support whenever I needed it.My proofreader Nina Dore, thank you for reading and rereading and providing feedback and suggestions. Writing a thesis in my second language was only possible with your ongoing support.Above all, I am extremely grateful to my supervisor, Ali Arya for his continuous support, wisdom, invaluable guidance, and patience during my PhD study. His immense knowledge on a wide range of areas and plentiful experience have encouraged me in all the time of my academic research, allowing me to continue my study. It is so rare to find a supervisor, who instills the authority and respect to force you to work hard when needed, but also offers kind words and understanding when you need them as well. I cannot thank him enough.John, Isinsu, Yasmin; all becomes meaningful when it is shared with you. Thank you for being in my life. Love you.Finally, I like to dedicate my thesis to my parents Ismet and Hikmet Savaskan for teaching me the value of hard work and the importance of knowledge creation. I will be forever missing them.