Quality Online Education-New Research Agendas

摘要: Abstract Quality assurance and online delivery are hot topics in universities, yet until recently discussions of each have had little to do with other. These spheres activity universities may not interacted very closely the past. This paper describes current debates within quality policies proposes four themes as ways consider these their relationships Arising from this discussion possible research agendas that likely increase importance universities' use reliance upon technologies increases stakes for ensuring raised. Introduction Universities investing huge resources education. They sec investments strategic responses competitive environment which they find themselves. institutional strategies a number questions at present unanswered any complete sense, ranging definitions education identifying valuing policy. The higher is relatively recent, rapidly growing ubiquitous phenomenon. Despite rationales justifications largely either unstated or taken-for-granted by university managers (Ehrmann, 1999). David A Longanecker, former Assistant Secretary postsecondary U.S. Department Education, also indicates uncertainty draws link between notions impact technology: ... new educational models "leading us different concept than we've traditionally --but I'm sure what is" (Pond 2002, p. 186) brought about concomitant on concepts there need investigate forces bring substantial changes teaching learning. In recent times been increasingly called demonstrable accountability measures form systems processes. While phenomenon (Bergquist & Armstrong, 1986; Carnegie Commission Higher 1970; Goedegebuure, Maassen, Westerheijden, 1990; Sheldrake Linke, 1979), it taking meanings climate so-called 'information age' where expanding environments into realm. considers literature areas policy, focusing synthesises future research. two discourses, first discourse I will call discourse. involves second education, processes discourses now be briefly delineated related Attempts harness aims tended focus 'instructional design' (Leshin, Pollock, Reigeluth, 1992) whereby various instructional techniques proposed fit 'learning styles' (Kirby, 1979) students. approaches focussed project-based innovations, but borne significant fruits (Alexander McKenzie, 1998). …