contemporary quality issues in e - learning

Contemporary Quality Issues in e-Learning

Pratibha KohliPrincipalMaharaja Agrasen Model School, PitampuraDelhi

The invasion of ubiquitous internet freed humans from narrow constraints of neighborhood schools and colleges

ushered in an era of globalization in education

e- learning encompasses all forms of learning, knowledge and

education acquired using electronic

devices

CBT (Computer-Based Training)

IBT (Internet-Based Training)

WBT (Web-Based Training)

e-Learning also called:

Group-basede-learning synchronously

Group-basede-learning asynchronously

Modalities

Modalities of e – Learning (Naidu 2006)

Advantages of e- Learning

Individualized – as per aptitude & attitudeLearner paced and learner centered

Caters to varied learning needs and requirements

Several modes of delivery of the learning content

For geographically dispersed learners

Accessible 24 X 7

Learners do not waste precious time in going to the educational institution

Economical

For adult learners : learn while you earn

Cost effective

e-learning is democratization of education

Scope of e-Learning

New generation tech savvy

Computing devices everywhere

e - learning material can be updated and modified conveniently

Focal Areas of Quality in e-Learning

Satisfaction of the customer, i.e. learner.

Improvement of the human resource of the e – learning organization

ICT used for e-learning and learning content

FOCAL AREAS

“Measures of quality begin with vision and mission”. (Moore,

2005, Sloan Consortium Quality Framework and the

Five Pillars).

Quality in e-Learning…..some organizations at work

The Sloan Consortium Quality Framework and the Five Pillars(2005) ISO 9000:2000Panorama (European e-learning-2005) Quality on the line- IHEP (2000) Integrated Quality and Enhancement Review, UK (2008)

COL-Knowledge SeriesAustralian University Quality Agency(AUQU)Distance Education Council(India)International Network for Quality Assurance Agencies in Higher Education(INQAAHE)EFQUEL

Quality frameworks of E - Learning

Learning Process Student Satisfaction Tutor/Faculty SatisfactionInstitutional Support Cost Effectiveness Access to Virtual Environment Culture of Quality Assessment and Evaluation

Learning Process

For sustained, experiential learning, interaction among online learners is pivotal

Student SatisfactionStudents should feel that the e-learning course solves their goals, in terms of academic outcome, career enhancement, and professional growth or provide opportunity for employment. Flexibility in course structure

Tutor/Faculty SatisfactionRole of tutor as facilitator and moderatorFaculty are rewarded for teaching online Conducting research about improving teaching onlineIn – service training

Institutional Support

Technical support Online repositories Incentives for innovative practices Electronic security measures Ombuds office

Cost Effectiveness

Affordable so as to make it available and appealing to the masses, and to invite a new market of potential e-learners

Access to Virtual Environment

based on pedagogical needs

reliable and robust

aligned with the institution’s technical infrastructure

Culture of Quality Continuous Quality Improvement in the organization Quality should become a feature of personal and organizational actions Develop and propagate a culture of quality within the organization among all its stakeholders.

Assessment and EvaluationFormative and summative assignments Evaluation process is used to improve the teaching/learning process

All the quality frameworks described above are interwoven intricately to create an effective,

meaningful, enhanced and sustainable pedagogy of e -

learning.

Who is responsible for Quality in e-Learning ?All stakeholders work as a team and with total commitment to ensure that quality standards are realized, maintained and continuously improved upon.

Quality Assurance CycleThe frameworks of quality have to consistently

develop and evolve for the following reasons: To keep pace with the emerging digitalization, The distinctiveness of each learner needs to be known, analyzed, interpreted and then worked uponTo develop greater credibility about the system of e-learning in the minds of peopleTo update with the novel changes in education system and pedagogy

DEFINEThe e-learning

training

DESIGNThe e-learning

experience

DEVELOPThe e-learning

resources

DETERMINE The impact of the learning experience

DELIVERThe e-learning

event

Clayton et al,2008

LOOKING AHEAD………… INTO THE FUTURE

Quality must no longer be regarded as a burdensome, costly evil, but as a paradigm for action to establish such a culture. Quality development must become a core process of educational organization.

(Ehlers et al, Panorama,2005)

With the exponential growth of e – learning, the search for Quality in e – learning is an ongoing process.