Transnational ELearning: Assuring Quality An illustrative case study of NetTelAfrica http:www.nettel

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Transnational E-Learning Assuring QualityAn
illustrative case study of NetTel_at_Africahttp//ww
w.nettelafrica.org/

• Matthew Mitchell
• Center to Bridge the Digital Divide
• Washington State University

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Outline

• Background of NetTel
• Introduction to the Quality Assurance Review
  (QAR)
• Context of the QAR in NetTels Development
• Review of main QAR Findings
• Lessons Learned from the QAR
• Applying lessons learned to future transnational
  e-Learning initiatives

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NetTels Background

• The training and degree program is 1 of 4
  components
• Curriculum design included
• Stakeholder and expert input on content
• Standards for course structure and pedagogy
• Support mechanisms on trainings and resources
• Formal agreements on curriculum design and
  process
• Open Content for Capacity Building

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Introduction to the QAR

• QAR Goals and Process
• QAR Team Composition
• Scope of Assessments
• Critical Review of course content
• Evaluation of learning design
• Determination of university support
• Elicitation of barriers and challenges

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QAR Assessment Rubrics

• The quality of specific NetTel courses was
  assessed with the aid of two rubrics that were
  based on the work of WSUs Center for Teaching
  and Learning Technologies
• Course Content Rubric
• E-Learning Design Rubric
• A four-point scale was used for assessment
• Lacking
• Baseline
• Effective
• Exemplary

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Content Rubric

• Scope of topics covered
• Appropriateness of depth and academic rigor
• Inclusion of interdisciplinary design
• Adherence to academic integrity

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E-Learning Rubric

• Learner Support and Resources
• Online Organization and Design
• Instructional Design and Delivery
• Assessment and Evaluation of Student Learning

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Context of the QAR

• The QAR was an important piece in a larger design
  for developing the Diploma and Degree Program.
• Start Development Pilot
  Test Sem 1 Sem 2 Sem 3
• gt gt gt gt gt gt gt
• May 2002 QAR
  May 2005

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Main Findings

• 2 General Findings
• All outstanding barriers and challenges appeared
  to be solvable
• The goal of having all PGD courses on-line
  appeared to be obtainable

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Specific Findings

• 7 Specific Findings
• Pilot Testing Event
• Modalities for Delivery
• Curriculum
• Reading Materials
• Network Governance
• Future Expansion
• Intellectual Proprietary Issues

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Lessons Learned

• Broad networks increases variation in common
  understanding
• There is no substitute for face time
• Busy people seem to get the job done
• Too much clarity hampers creativity
• Sometimes the problem is not the issue

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Future Transnational e-Learning Initiatives

• Adequate e-Learning requires technology with
  appropriate access, application and management
• For some, e-Learning requires a pedagogical
  paradigm shift
• Support must be top-down, bottom-up and
  side-to-side
• International cooperation can sometimes be easier
  than national cooperation learn the context