Abstract:

This paper introduces e-LIQAL, the e-Learning Institutional Quality Assurance Label. e-LIQAL provides a model that evaluates the extent to which Higher Education Institutions provide quality e-learning education. The model draws from the experience of University of Nicosia offering e-learning distance learning education (DLE) to more than 5,500 students and from the University’s expertise in receiving quality assurance evaluation and accreditation by both National and International Quality Assurance Agencies. Furthermore, the model draws from the European Framework for Quality in e-Learning (EFQUEL) and the European Association of Distance Teaching Universities (EADTU) e-xcellence models for quality in e-learning education. The University of Nicosia was awarded both the UNIQUe and the e-xcellence labels awarded by EFQUEL and EADTU respectively.

The e-LIQAL model provides for the evaluation of 100 Quality Indicator (QIs) grouped in 4 thematic areas supporting excellence in e-learning.

The 4 thematic areas are given below:
1. Institutional Strategy and Organization: e-LIQAL assess the extent to which an e-learning provider has in place the strategy, organizational structures and the resources for strategic and sustainable development and offering of e-learning education.
2. DLE Skills Framework, Training and Rewards: e-LIQAL assess the extent to which an institution has the framework for the skills and competencies needed in a DLE environment and the extent to which training, support and rewards promote this environment.
3. Curriculum Design and Offering: e-LIQAL assess the extent to which programmes and courses are developed based on a sound pedagogical model and using learning methodologies suitable for e-learning and the supporting educational activities for enriching the learning experience.
4. Resources, Services and Support: e-LIQAL e-LIQAL assess the extent to which the institution provides the resources and infrastructure, the software and tools, the mechanisms and the procedures ensuring a quality e-learning platform, as well as the services and the required support.

Each thematic area comprises of 25 QIs, grouped into 5 sub-thematic areas, each of the 5 ones comprising of 5 QIs. Each QI is measured in a scale 0 – 4 (0 -> not at all, 1 -> below average, 2 -> average, 3 -> above average, 4 -> very well). The final score is thus in the range of 0 to 400. For the e-LIQAM label to be awarded, ALL thematic areas must be satisfied. A thematic area is satisfied if ALL the 5 sub-thematic areas are satisfied. A sub-thematic area is satisfied if at least 3 out of the 5 QIs have a score of at least 2. Thus, the minimum condition for the award of the e-LIQAL label is 240 (assuming all sub-thematic areas are satisfied). A Distinction is awarded for scores 360-400, and a Merit for scores 300-359.

The paper is organised as follows. Section 2 provides an overview of related work and models. Section 3 introduces the quality assurance model of e-LIQAL. Section 4 explains the e-LIQAL assessment system and the classifications of the label, based on the assessment. Section 4 provides a comparative analysis of e-LIQAL in relation to the other similar models discussed in Section 2 and their assessment systems, as compared to the e-LIQAL one. Finally, Conclusions, summarizes the work presented herein and addresses our current and future work.

Keywords:

e-learning, quality assurance, labels.