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 2 nd University of Hertfordshire)

To review the QAA Code of Practice Section 2 in order to consider the perceived usefulness of the Code of Practice. Aim

Online questionnaire (106 responses) Southern Workshop Institute of Education, February 5th 2010 Northern Workshop HE Academy, February 19th 2010 Consultation activities

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

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 Workshop findings

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?