Briefing Memo: NJIT Framework for Quality Assurance in eLearning

Background: NJIT’s Distance Learning Advisory Committee (DLA) and Teaching, Learning, and Technology Committee (TLT) unanimously approved development of the NJIT Framework for Quality Assurance in Learning at its combined meeting February 24, 2010. Our purpose is to create an evidence-based model for continuous quality improvement that is centered on research, student learning, and quality. The project builds on an initial review of our totally online MS program in Professional and Technical Communication using the Quality Matters Rubric; each of the five core courses were scored according to the Quality Matters  40 criteria in eight standards. With a successful review for MSPTC, we sought to develop a locally tailored model for assuring quality in all NJIT online courses.

Why is Quality Assurance Needed?

The NJIT Framework for Quality Assurance in eLearning

• conforms with a goal of NJIT Strategic Plan 2010 – 2015: “Refine outcomes assessment efforts in student learning to achieve continuous curricular improvement “
• reflects the Characteristics of Excellence in Higher Education for Distance or Distributed Learning (MSCHE March 2009): courses must “meet institution-wide standards for quality of instruction, articulated expectations of student learning, academic rigor, and educational effectiveness”
• aids the institutional planning process for assessment of student learning required for compliance with MSCHE
• informs the Institute eLearning Quality Assurance Report required by the Committee for Department and Program Assessment as part of the 2010 NJIT Program Review Process.
• enhances NJIT’s national reputation and position as a leader in assessment of student learning outcomes
• promotes student learning.

Current Project

This model demonstrates the NJIT Framework for Quality Assurance in eLearning.  Tailored to the unique characteristics of NJIT, this rubric is informed by of our analyses of the Quality Scorecard from the Solan-C Consortium, the Quality Assurance Certification Program at Fairleigh Dickinson University and other benchmark universities, and Distance Education Programs Guidelines published by the Middles States Commission on Higher Education.  Employing this assessment guideline in review of our institutional eLearning courses will ensure that NJIT remains a leader in excellent distance education.

Next Steps

The NJIT Quality Assurance in eLearning rubric can be used to evaluate the quality of online course materials. The challenge will be to find a way to meaningfully apply it to online courses currently being offered as well as those under development. 

The NJIT Model for Quality Assurance in eLearning podcast can bee seen here.

Note: This rubric is not designed to assess the quality of the online instructor.  Rather, it is an opportunity for instructors to receive feedback on ways to improve the design and presentation of their online materials.   

June 18, 2010: Nancy Coppola, Phoebe Del Boccio, Norbert Elliot, Bake Haggerty, William Reynolds, and Gale Spak