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Managing the quality of e-learning: a consultation on the QAA Code of Practice Section 2. Quality Assurance and Quality Enhancement in E-learning Special Interest Group (QE-SIG) Maria-Christiana Papaefthimiou University of Reading Mark Gamble University of Bedfordshire Helen Barefoot
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Managing the quality of e-learning: a consultation on the QAA Code of Practice Section 2 Quality Assurance and Quality Enhancement in E-learning Special Interest Group (QE-SIG) Maria-Christiana Papaefthimiou University of Reading Mark Gamble University of Bedfordshire Helen Barefoot University of Hertfordshire
QAQE in e-Learning Special Interest Group: Steering Group Members • Eileen Webb, (Chair) Teesside University • Maria-Christiana Papaefthimiou, (Deputy Chair) Reading University • Helen Barefoot,University of Hertfordshire • Peter Chatterton,e-Daedalus • Mark Gamble,University of Bedfordshire • Magdalena Jara, Institute of Education, University of London • Judith Kuit, University of Sunderland • Harvey Mellar,Institute of Education, University of London • Barbara Newland,Glasgow Caledonian University • David O’Hare,University of Derby
Overview • Project background • Consultation process • Findings from the survey and workshops • Conclusions • Discussion
QAQE SIG Mission • To aggregate, share and synthesise current and emerging knowledge and practice in quality enhancement related to the use of technology to enhance learning • To build synergies between Higher Education Institutions and with other external sector agencies • To influence local and national policy
QAQE project • Develop a commentary and critique of the QAA Code of Practice Section 2 (QAA 2004) • Develop a trainer’s on-line toolkit for ‘Quality enhancement of collaborative provision and flexible and distributed learning including eLearning’ • Hold the first of its annual conferences in conjunction with the HEA (July 2nd University of Hertfordshire)
Aim • To review the QAA Code of Practice Section 2 in order to consider the perceived usefulness of the Code of Practice.
Consultation activities • Online questionnaire (106 responses) • Southern Workshop Institute of Education, February 5th 2010 • Northern Workshop HE Academy, February 19th 2010
Questionnaire results “Regarding the current QAA Code of Practice (CoP) Section 2” Total respondents : 86
“The following areas need to be covered more fully in a future revision of the code: (in terms of quality assurance/enhancement)”
Qualitative comments from questionnaire What additional changes/amendments/additions to the code of practice do you suggest? It ought to be clear whether or not we are discussing distance, web-based learning or TEL on and off campus Greatest volume of L&T is concerned with supporting campus based students …I would like to see a more developed framework to support blended technology enhanced learning
Workshop findings Topic 1: Within the current programme/curriculum design processes and practice in your institution, how is the quality of e-learning addressed: • Diverse practice • Concern; references to e-learning relate more to IT issues than learning issues • Importance of staff development
Workshop findings Topic 2: What kinds of issues and problems exist within your current practice and how might they be helped by a revised Code of Practice? • Lack of clarity regarding definitions • Slow nature of QA processes - out of synch with speed of development on educational technologies • Assessment concerns
Workshop findings Topic 3: What would be most helpful to you in a revised Code of Practice. • Discussion of E-learning being included in all parts of the entire Code of Practice or being presented in a separate section • Curriculum design guidance
QAQE report Consideration of findings in relation to the headings provided by the European standards and guidelines for internal quality assurance within higher Education institutions • ES1 Policy and procedures for quality assurance • ES2 Approval, monitoring and periodic review of programmes and awards • ES3 Assessment of students • ES4 Quality assurance of teaching staff • ES5 Learning resources and student support • ES6 Information systems • ES7 Public information
Conclusions Separate section of CoP for e-learning which embraces its incorporation into all other sections New CoP should; strike a balance between being a policy document and a useful guide be supportive of a QE regime provide precepts which guide HEIs but do not stifle innovation
What challenges do you currently face in the management of QA and QE of e-learning?
What would be most helpful to you regarding information / training needs in support of embedding QE in e-learning practice?