The document outlines recommendations for quality assurance (QA) in e-learning by the ENQA Working Group, focusing on creating a common framework and standards applicable to both internal and external QA processes. It emphasizes the importance of strategic policy, student-centered learning, and institutional support in delivering e-learning that meets the same standards as traditional education. Additionally, it highlights the need for flexible QA methodologies and the involvement of qualified experts in e-learning.

1. Recommendations for QA of e-learning
ENQA WG on QA and e-learning
Esther Huertas (Chair)
21/09/2017 1

2. 2
Index
1. ENQA WG on QA and e-learning
2. QA in European higher education area
3. Part 1. Internal quality assurance
4. Part 2. External quality assurance
5. Conclusions

3. 3
ENQA WG on QA and e-learning
Objectives
- Create an inventory of sources on QA and e-Learning.
- Agree on definition of e-learning.
- Agree on recommendations (QAA and HEIs).
Members
Esther Huertas (chair), Lindsey Kerber (secretary)
Pranas Stankus, Georg Seppmann, Sandra Marcos, Ana
Capilla, Ivan Biscan, Charlotte Ejsing, Liza Kozlowska,
Liia Lauri, Monika Risse, Kerstin Schoerg
Calendar
November 2016 – November 2018

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Quality Assurance in the European Higher
Education Area
• Generic, not specific  provide the framework and
common basis for national and institutional activities.
• Standards and guidelines for QA, not quality as such.
• Apply to all higher education offered in the EHEA regardless
of the mode of study or place of delivery (TNE, e-learning,
short courses…).
• Thus all types of e-learning included as well as all phases
included in a learning process (e-assessment).
• Apply to all types of QA activities and agencies (quality
audits, programme accreditation, institutional assessment...).
• Quality assurance can serve a variety of purposes:
enhancement – accountability.

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1
2
3
PART 1. INTERNAL
QUALITY ASSURANCE
PART 2. EXTERNAL
QUALITY ASSURANCE
PART 3. QUALITY
ASSURANCE AGENCIES
European Standards and Guidelines
All standards are fully
applicable to e-learning
provision

6. 6
Part 1. Internal Quality Assurance
Standard 1.1 – Policy for quality assurance
Standard 1.2 – Design and approval of programme
Standard 1.3 – Student-centred learning, teaching and assessment
Standard 1.4 – Student admission, progression, recognition and
certification
Standard 1.5 – Teaching staff
Standard 1.6 – Learning resources and student support
Standard 1.7 – Information management
Standard 1.8 – Public information
Standard 1.9 – On-going monitoring and periodic review of
programmes
Standard 1.10 – Cyclical external quality assurance

7. 7
Part 1. Internal Quality Assurance
Standard 1.1 – Policy for quality assurance
Standard 1.2 – Design and approval of programme
Standard 1.3 – Student-centred learning, teaching and assessment
Standard 1.4 – Student admission, progression, recognition and
certification
Standard 1.5 – Teaching staff
Standard 1.6 – Learning resources and student support
Standard 1.7 – Information management
Standard 1.8 – Public information
Standard 1.9 – On-going monitoring and periodic review of
programmes
Standard 1.10 – Cyclical external quality assurance

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Part 1. Internal Quality Assurance
1.1
1.3
- Ensure that e-learning is strategic at the institution
(‘new providers’).
- Pedagogical model and innovation should be part of
institutional strategy.
- Institutional policies should cover the constituent’s
elements of quality; course development; teaching
and learning; course structure; student support;
faculty support; technology; student assessment;
examination security.
- Instructional design (innovation).
- E-assessment (authorship and authentication).
Standard 1.1 – Policy for quality assurance
Standard 1.3 – Student-centred learning, teaching and assessment

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Part 1. Internal Quality Assurance
1.5
1.6
1.4
- Same level of recognition by professional bodies &
employers as face to face programmes.
- Fraud / Diploma mills.
- Different structure: authors, tutors, instructors,
managers.
- Qualification, knowledge, skills.
- Support system for teaching staff.
- Student support (prevent drop out rate).
Standard 1.4 – Student admission, progression, recognition and
certification
Standard 1.5 – Teaching staff
Standard 1.6 – Learning resources and student support

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Part 2. External Quality Assurance
Standard 2.1 – Consideration of internal quality assurance
Standard 2.2 – Designing methodologies fit for purpose
Standard 2.3 – Implementing processes
Standard 2.4 – Peer-review experts
Standard 2.5 – Criteria for outcomes
Standard 2.6 – Reporting
Standard 2.7 – Complaints and appeals

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Part 2. External Quality Assurance
Standard 2.1 – Consideration of internal quality assurance
Standard 2.2 – Designing methodologies fit for purpose
Standard 2.3 – Implementing processes
Standard 2.4 – Peer-review experts
Standard 2.5 – Criteria for outcomes
Standard 2.6 – Reporting
Standard 2.7 – Complaints and appeals

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2.2
2.4
- Flexible processes to include new modes of
teaching and learning (innovation).
- Specific criteria, indicators.
- Experts with experience in e-learning.
Part 2. External Quality Assurance
Standard 2.2 – Designing methodologies fit for purpose
Standard 2.4 – Peer-review experts

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- E-learning provisions fulfil the same standards (ESG) as
traditional ones.
- The work of ENQA’s WG should be discussed through
different stakeholders.
- There are challenges from HEIs, government and QAA point
of view.
Conclusions

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15. Thank you!