Objectives

1. Special Interest Group Distance Learning Accreditation in Europe

2. Objectives 1) Compare the European experiences on distance learning with an existing accreditation referential (criteria, methodology, policy, etc.). In a first instance, the DETC (Distance Education and Training Council, US) will be considered. 2) Improve and enlarge these criteria from the exchange of information on the practical experiences done by partners of our project and more generally in higher educational institutions in Europe. 3) Adapt these criteria for the definition of an emerging European accreditation process in e-learning. Special Interest Group Distance Learning Accreditation in Europe

3. Objectives for today Team building and start of work Revised work plan Special Interest Group Distance Learning Accreditation in Europe

4. Activities a) identify best e-learning practices starting from European experiences, b) evaluate these practices elaborating a simple and evolutionary method, c) infer accreditation criteria from practices, d) adapt criteria from US accreditation processes, e) contribute an accreditation process for Europe, f) set up the bases for better transfer to other sectors and levels of education and training in Europe. Special Interest Group Distance Learning Accreditation in Europe

5. Expected results The main output from the project will be a proposal for a European accreditation system in e-learning. As compared to an American accreditation system, we anticipate that the European criteria will put more emphasis on pedagogical methods and less on management. Special Interest Group Distance Learning Accreditation in Europe

6. Stages 1 Preparatory stage 2 Initial liaison stage 3 Development of European criteria, processes and documents 4 Experimentation 5 Improvement stage 6 Transfer Stage 7 Project management Special Interest Group Distance Learning Accreditation in Europe

7. Preparatory Stage Team building and start of work Initial workshop Operational use of a shared document repository. Information system organisation. http://enseignants.enpc.fr/~legaita/DLAE/index.htm Revised work plan Initial workshop Special Interest Group Distance Learning Accreditation in Europe

8. Initial liaison Stage Evaluation documents of existing accreditation processes (DETC, AMBA, EQUIS and AACSB) Visits to the accreditation organisations. DETC, AMBA, EQUIS, AACSB Internal workshop. Special Interest Group Distance Learning Accreditation in Europe

9. Development of European criteria, processes and documents Full suite for the accreditation of a European curriculum, including criteria, processes and documents Work will be distributed to partners according to qualification. Industrial partners will focus on processes and management criteria. Academic partners will work on pedagogical criteria. Accreditation processes Accreditation criteria (management) Accreditation criteria (pedagogical) Accreditation documents Special Interest Group Distance Learning Accreditation in Europe

10. Transfer Stage ConferenceImpact indicator : number of information requests. Wide public dissemination PublicationsImpact indicator : number of information requests. Targeted communication Special Interest Group Distance Learning Accreditation in Europe

11. Project management Project management report Project monitoring Meeting report Project meeting News LetterImpact indicator : number of information requests. E-report on accreditation Special Interest Group Distance Learning Accreditation in Europe

12. Partners Ecole Nationale des Ponts et Chaussées MMB Institute for Media and Competence Research Altran SDB Kungl Tekniska Högskolan POLIEDRA Politecnico di Milano Special Interest Group Distance Learning Accreditation in Europe

13. Dates Starting date : 1st of January 2004 Ending date : 30th of June 2005 Special Interest Group Distance Learning Accreditation in Europe