Enhancing the quality of distance learning at Western Balkan higher education institutions Danijela Milošević University of Kragujevac, Faculty of Technical Sciences Čačak University of Niš June 21, 2013

ICTT, University of Niš, TEMPUS RS-TEMPUS-SMGR University of Kragujevac Participants

Motivation behind the project

ICTT, University of Niš, TEMPUS RS-TEMPUS-SMGR University of Kragujevac The number of higher education institutions in Western Balkan beneficiary countries that have adopted some form of online teaching is increasing, but the quality varies substantially.

ICTT, University of Niš, TEMPUS RS-TEMPUS-SMGR University of Kragujevac Students often face the problem of not knowing what they can expect in courses or study programs marked as “online ” Thus….

ICTT, University of Niš, TEMPUS RS-TEMPUS-SMGR University of Kragujevac Joint WB Initiative uniformity of e-learning methodology, quality standards and harmonization of the national accreditation systems with the European quality assurance system

ICTT, University of Niš, TEMPUS RS-TEMPUS-SMGR University of Kragujevac Wider Project Objective The project has been designed to improve the quality and relevance of distance education (DL) at Western Balkan higher education institutions and to enable easier inclusion of partner country institutions into European Higher Education Area This project is supported by Ministries of Education, National Councils for Higher Education and Commissions for Accreditation in all three partner countries

ICTT, University of Niš, TEMPUS RS-TEMPUS-SMGR University of Kragujevac Specific Project Objectives To improve, develop and implement accreditation standards, guidelines and procedures for distance learning study programs according to EU practices at national levels in Serbia, Montenegro and FYRM To provide training for relevant members of HE educational and public authorities responsible for accreditation and evaluation of DL programs, teaching staff and trainers involved in DL from each partner country

ICTT, University of Niš, TEMPUS RS-TEMPUS-SMGR University of Kragujevac The list of developing activities leading to the expected project outcomes

ICTT, University of Niš, TEMPUS RS-TEMPUS-SMGR University of Kragujevac Results so far

ICTT, University of Niš, TEMPUS RS-TEMPUS-SMGR University of Kragujevac Results so far Reports on: Analysis of existing European practice and principles for quality assurance in DL Analysis of the policy level documents addressing internal/external accreditation of DL study programs in HE e-Learning Benchmarks: review on benchmarking methodology and quality monitoring tools Analysis of existing WB practice in DL and cross-matching with European practices and standards eLearning methodology and QA issues for content, delivery and support processes Handbook: Quality Assurance in the Western Balkans

ICTT, University of Niš, TEMPUS RS-TEMPUS-SMGR University of Kragujevac Recommendation for improvement and development of accreditation standards, guidelines and procedures for DL study programs in the WB region Guidelines for development and implementation of distance learning study programs at the institutional level  (DL Infrastructure, Administration, Teaching Methods, Teacher competencies, Student support) Recommendations for internal evaluation of DL study programs Results to address the Improvement and development of regulations for DL in HE in WB countries

ICTT, University of Niš, TEMPUS RS-TEMPUS-SMGR University of Kragujevac Results so far Training of members of Accreditation Commissions and HE public authorities Training of official reviewers for DL study programs Training of trainers for university academic and administrative staff that will instruct further in DL in HE Each of 7 universities has established at least one new DL platform with trained staff

ICTT, University of Niš, TEMPUS RS-TEMPUS-SMGR University of Kragujevac Results towards sustainability

All 7 PC universities become lifetime members of EFQUEL By joining EFQUEL they become a part of the largest European network of organizations and professionals dedicated to quality in the field of technology enhanced learning European Foundation for Quality in E-Learning

Balkan Distance Education Network Balkanska mreža za obrazovanje na daljinu BADEN

ICTT, University of Niš, TEMPUS RS-TEMPUS-SMGR University of Kragujevac Balkan distance education network established at the end of 2011 Over 150 individual membership

ICTT, University of Niš, TEMPUS RS-TEMPUS-SMGR University of Kragujevac BADEN activities  Education through professional and research seminars and summer schools  Organization of professional lectures, trainings, symposiums and conferences with topics about e-learning and distance education  Promotion of distance learning through cooperation and participation on manifestations of domestic, regional and international importance  Participation in realization of projects at national, regional and international level  Promoting and placing of innovative and creative professional and research solutions Courseware certification

ICTT, University of Niš, TEMPUS RS-TEMPUS-SMGR University of Kragujevac BADEN started own Newsletter

ICTT, University of Niš, TEMPUS RS-TEMPUS-SMGR University of Kragujevac BADEN is a member of

ICTT, University of Niš, TEMPUS RS-TEMPUS-SMGR University of Kragujevac Since July BADEN is authorized to certify courseware at behalf of epprobate for Western Balkan countries BADEN is offical certification body of epprobate epprobate is the first international quality label for eLearning courseware

ICTT, University of Niš, TEMPUS RS-TEMPUS-SMGR University of Kragujevac 22

ICTT, University of Niš, TEMPUS RS-TEMPUS-SMGR University of Kragujevac 23 Coverage

ICTT, University of Niš, TEMPUS RS-TEMPUS-SMGR University of Kragujevac Tempus in pictures

ICTT, University of Niš, TEMPUS RS-TEMPUS-SMGR University of Kragujevac Thank you! Danijela Milošević