Blended learning and QA

[sheiladrew]

This activity should take 20 minutes to complete

1. According to the resource you read on quality assurance for blended learning, what are the main categories of blended learning around which quality assurance criteria should be developed?
2. In addition to those areas or categories, what additions do you suggest for your context?
3. Post your answer in the discussion forum.

[toaiaueatoabwa]

1. Categories as follows:
   i. course navigation
   ii. course content
   iii. instructional design
   iv. course structure
   v. student support
   vi. choice of technology or media
   vii. student assessment
   viii. quality assurance

[debolina]

Quality assurance for blended learning involves ensuring that the learning experience is effective, engaging, and equitable for all students. The main categories of blended learning around which quality assurance criteria should be developed are:

Curriculum design: The curriculum design should be aligned with the learning objectives and should be engaging, interactive, and effective. Quality assurance criteria for this category could include the use of active learning strategies, such as case studies and problem-based learning, as well as the use of multimedia resources.

Pedagogy: The pedagogy should be learner-centered, with a focus on active learning, collaboration, and the development of critical thinking skills. Quality assurance criteria for this category could include the use of student-centered learning strategies, such as flipped classrooms and peer teaching, as well as the provision of feedback and support to students.

Technology: The technology should be user-friendly, accessible, and effective in supporting the learning process. Quality assurance criteria for this category could include the use of reliable and up-to-date technology, as well as the provision of technical support to students.

Assessment: The assessment should be aligned with the learning objectives and should be fair, valid, and reliable. Quality assurance criteria for this category could include the use of multiple assessment methods, such as formative and summative assessments, as well as the provision of timely feedback to students.

In addition to these areas or categories, I would suggest adding the following quality assurance criteria for blended learning in my context:

Accessibility: The blended learning experience should be accessible to all students, including those with disabilities or those who may not have access to reliable internet or technology. Quality assurance criteria for this category could include the provision of accessible learning materials and the use of technology that supports accessibility features.

Equity: The blended learning experience should be equitable, ensuring that all students have equal access to resources and opportunities. Quality assurance criteria for this category could include the provision of support to underrepresented or disadvantaged students, such as mentorship programs or financial aid.

Faculty Development: The faculty members involved in blended learning should be provided with adequate training and support to ensure that they are able to effectively design and deliver blended courses. Quality assurance criteria for this category could include the provision of professional development opportunities, such as workshops or training sessions, as well as ongoing support for faculty members.

[farid.mn]

In blended learning, the QA should include the following steps:
1- Curriculum development: includes adjusting and modifying the curriculum according to the course contents and offering mode.
2- Design course material: includes designing and proposing the course materials such as LOs, TLAs, and ATs and also the alignment between them.
3- Technology: includes evaluating the required tools and equipment and accessibility for both teacher and students.

[samailaaudujovial]

The Course Content, Instructional Design, Course Structure, Student Support, Technology/Media, Assessment, and Quality Assurance & Evaluation categories are the main categories of blended learning around which quality assurance criteria should be developed. The addition I do suggest for our context is that everyone should see quality assurance as everyone’s business, I mean everyone should take part in ensuring quality in education and freely say his/her view clearly and confidently, and all views provided should be moderated and carefully selected by experts. As such accessibility and equity are granted for all.

[Gabajibola]

Below are main categories of blended learning around which quality assurance criteria should be developed:

1. Choice of technology/media
2. Course content
3. Course navigation
4. Course structure
5. Instructional design
6. Quality assurance.
7. Student assessment
8. Student support

In addition to the identified categories, I will further suggest:

1. Monitoring and evaluation
2. Procurement procedure
3. timely and meaningful feedback

[Lawrence]

In establishing the quality assurance of learning , it is important know the the subject content. What is the content and what does it demand. Secondly what is the lesson outcome. Unless and until we don’t know the subject lesson outcome, we won’t be able to identify the mode of teaching. Thirdly is how to deliver the subject content. Which technology to use. we need to know if the students are able to use that form of technology. What are some of means , the students can use that technology. How can students put up queries and how can they be assessed

[ephraimmhlanga59]

Excellent ideas, Toaiauea. I particularly like student support, which is key for student success.

[ephraimmhlanga59]

I see that most of you mention student support, course content and assessment as aspects that need to be quality assured. This is good. All these three factors, and of course and many others that you mention, need to be quality assured in any educational institution.

[C-Right]

1. Categories of blended learning are as follows:

2. Choice of media

3. course programs or content

4. course design

5. Consistent learner support

6. Student Continuous assessment

7. quality assurance

I will further suggest

1. Constant I.T expert interaction with learners.
2. Frequent reviews of feedbacks.
3. Regular counseling

[ADE]

The main category for blended learning around quality assurance are course navigation, course content, instructional design, course structure, student support, choice of technology/media, student assessment, and quality assurance.
I will suggest the provision for chat that will enable learners interact during the period of the course

[mathsanjuan1]

QA for blended learning-
QA is important is to set standards in quality, equity and efficiency in education.
Integrity is an institution is important factor in quality assurance.
Quality assurance-

1. Course structure
   2.Content
2. Navigation
3. assessment
4. Instructional design
   6.Support for students
5. Use of technology
   8.Evaluation

In addition, to these categories- Pedagogy, accessibility, Tech support for students, monitoring and evaluating program regularly and getting students’ feedback. Immediate and real -time feedback for students.

[ephraimmhlanga59]

You all correctly identify key areas of blended learning that need to be quality assured. The common areas you mention are learning design, course navigation, learner support, assessment and choice of media.

[ephraimmhlanga59]

In the live sessions that we will have with the smaller group, we look more closely at how we assure quality in these areas.

[douglasmuasya]

Quality assurance for blended learning involves ensuring that the learning experience is effective, engaging, and equitable for all students. The categories are :

• Curriculum design:
• Pedagogy:
• Technology:
• Assessment:
• Accessibility:
• Equity:
• Faculty Development:

[douglasmuasya]

@debolina True Quality assurance in blended learning will ensure learning is effective

[sammy]

Quality Assurance Elements

1. Course navigation
2. Course content
3. Instructional design
4. Student support
5. Course structure
6. Technology/media
7. Assessment
8. Quality Assurance and assessment

[viliamemateicolo]

Blended learning encompasses various models that combine traditional in-person instruction with online components. When developing quality assurance criteria for blended learning, it’s essential to consider the following main categories:

1. Curriculum and Content:

• Alignment of online and in-person content.
• Relevance and currency of online materials.
• Clear learning objectives and outcomes.
• Accessibility and inclusivity of digital content.

2. Instructional Design and Delivery:

• Pedagogical strategies for online and in-person components.
• Effective use of technology for engagement.
• Consistency in the design of online modules.
• Assessment methods and feedback.

3. Technology and Infrastructure:

• Reliability and accessibility of digital platforms.
• Technical support for learners and instructors.
• Data security and privacy.
• Scalability and capacity for increasing demand.

4. Student Support Services:

• Access to academic and technical support.
• Mentoring and counseling services.
• Communication channels for student inquiries.
• Accessibility for learners with disabilities.

5. Teacher and Faculty Development:

• Training in online teaching techniques.
• Pedagogical training for blended learning.
• Assessment of faculty readiness.
• Ongoing professional development opportunities.

6. Assessment and Evaluation:

• Alignment of assessment methods with learning objectives.
• Regular evaluation of the effectiveness of blended learning models.
• Monitoring and addressing assessment integrity.
• Use of data for continuous improvement.

7. Quality Standards and Accreditation:

• Alignment with national and international quality standards.
• Compliance with accreditation requirements.
• Documentation and reporting for quality assurance agencies.
• Regular self-assessment and external reviews.

8. Cost-Effectiveness and Sustainability:

• Efficient resource allocation.
• Monitoring the return on investment.
• Long-term sustainability of the blended learning program.
• Cost reduction strategies without compromising quality.

In addition to these categories, context-specific considerations should be incorporated into the quality assurance criteria. These may include:

9. Cultural and Linguistic Considerations:

• Adaptation of content and instruction to diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds.
• Support for non-native English speakers or learners of other languages.

10. Social and Ethical Responsibility:

• Promotion of digital citizenship and ethical behavior.
• Inclusion of social responsibility and community engagement in the curriculum.

11. Global Collaboration and Partnerships:

• Quality standards for collaborations with international institutions.
• Criteria for ensuring that global perspectives are integrated into the curriculum.

12. Flexible Learning Pathways:

• Support for non-traditional students and alternative learning pathways.
• Accessibility for adult learners, part-time students, and working professionals.

These additional considerations will vary depending on the specific educational institution, the learner demographic, and the overall educational context. Ensuring quality in blended learning requires a comprehensive and flexible approach that takes into account both global best practices and local needs and conditions.

[kamlaa]

The 8 categories as outlined are course navigation; instructional design; technology/media; student support; assessment; quality assurance; course structure and content.

I believe that these 8 categories capture in a fulsome way the elements of online learning.

[linnetkeli]

course navigation,
course content,
instructional design,
course structure,
student support,
choice of technology/media,
student assessment,
quality assurance.