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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.
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.
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.
Below are main categories of blended learning around which quality assurance criteria should be developed:
In addition to the identified categories, I will further suggest:
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
Excellent ideas, Toaiauea. I particularly like student support, which is key for student success.
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.
Categories of blended learning are as follows:
Choice of media
course programs or content
course design
Consistent learner support
Student Continuous assessment
quality assurance
I will further suggest
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
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-
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.
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.
In the live sessions that we will have with the smaller group, we look more closely at how we assure quality in these areas.
Quality assurance for blended learning involves ensuring that the learning experience is effective, engaging, and equitable for all students. The categories are :
Quality Assurance Elements