Download presentation
Presentation is loading. Please wait.
Published byJoel Capron Modified over 10 years ago
1
Lawrence C. Ragan Penn State’s World Campus Defining Quality Standards for Online Education CADE, Calgary May 2002
2
Program Goals Discuss quality variables and their impact on the design and development of online course instructionDiscuss quality variables and their impact on the design and development of online course instruction Review set of quality standards developed to guide the design, development and delivery of instruction onlineReview set of quality standards developed to guide the design, development and delivery of instruction online
3
Assignment #1 Turn to Defining Quality and complete definition Compare answer with partner at table What was common in both definitions?
4
Defining Quality Writing by committee: An event or experience that provides a reasonable opportunity for success for the student and instructor
5
Defining Quality Varied interpretations of “quality” Several industry-wide guidelines or standards for production of course materials (CHEA, AAHE, others) Broad statements of principles and guidelines
6
Bottom Line The definition of quality varies from institution to institution and is dependent upon the mission and model of the online initiative.
7
Assignment 2: Quality Characteristics To define quality we need to define variables Turn to #2. Complete Quality Characteristics variable labels Compare answer with partner at table What variables were common in both lists?
8
Quality Characteristics Dependability Reliability Performance (speed) Value Consistent Measurable Etc…
9
Quality Characteristics-NOT Technology Cost Aesthetic “Gee whiz factor”
10
Quality Standards-2 Options Develop standards that can be used to judge the “readiness” of a course/educational event for an online delivery format Develop standards of design that can serve as a specifications guide Difficult to do both in single document
11
Considering Implementation Development of plans for implementation Institutionalizing standards Developing “failure to comply” strategies
13
WC Online Design Standards Struggle between specifications document and “quality filter” Had to decide on “objective” of the publication Opted for “quality filter’
14
Quality Filter Described Create an instrument that would serve as a “readiness assessment tool” for courses NOT designed or developed BUT to be delivered via the World Campus. Is not created as a design specification document
15
WC ODS Categories COURSE PROFILE TOOL: method of gathering demographic information regarding the nature of the course –Asynchronous vs synchronous –Nature of assignments –Timing and duration –Individual vs cohort –Etc…
16
WC ODS Categories Review COURSE PROFILE TOOL What questions would you add to make this work at your institution? –What platform for delivery? (browser) –Learner and setting analysis - target audience, student profile –Special (#19) may not be specific enough - define general applications –Mission or objectives of course should be outlined –Computer literacy prerequisites –Availability of faculty –Practical applications - lab requirements –Nature and timing of exams –Group under location requirements –Communication to student about how to start –Total instructional time to manage the course
17
Online Design Standards User Interface : issues of structure, navigation, and layout Media Elements : issues related to the use of technology Software : issues related to the use of software and the implications of its use in the course Permissions/Legal : issues relating to the legality of course and related content Accessibility : issues related to the accessibility of the course to all students
18
User Interface Graphics/text only version Use of thumbnails Function tools should be big and obvious Restrict or eliminate pop-ups and advertising Culturally appropriate design and graphic content Links to each page without having to go back to homepage
19
Media Elements Appropriate use of media Variety of media mix Considerate of student bandwidth Designed to support learning objectives Considerate of development costs
20
Media Elements General area that addresses software and hardware issues Very PC-based, should be Mac or PC Firewalls and proxy servers Download requirements
21
Instructional Design Clear learning objectives Clear connection between learning objectives and assessment process Clearly articulated assessment criteria and process Non-ambiguous use of language Appropriately designed learning activities
22
Software No “experimental” software (beta releases, shareware) No non-supported software Reasonable costs Available for international purchase Etc…
23
Permissions/Legal World clearance of permissions Intellectual property issues Cleared for delivery online “Time cleared”- for duration of the program and repeated offerings
24
Accessibility Cultural/gender factors and filters Adapting to culture rather than just translating Sensitivity issues could be provided to writer/designer at the start of the process
25
Summary Quality standards need to be defined in the context of the institution Quality characteristics need to be articulated (vary based on context) Need to define purpose of quality standards: readiness or specifications Define implementation plan
26
Thank you Larry Ragan LCR1@PSU.EDU
Similar presentations
© 2025 SlidePlayer.com. Inc.
All rights reserved.