Quality assurance in distance
education
Dr. András Szepes - Mária
Szepesné Stiftinger
assoc. prof lecturer
College of Geoinformatics,
University of West Hungary
Distance education causes a lot of problems for those involved, which
can be derived from its methodological characteristics. Starting from taking
the material home, up until the point of preparing for exams. During this
period the student can almost only rely on himself/herself. We can help them by
developing a technological line, which guides the students through the flow. By
continuous quality assurance we can ensure these problems to be solved.
The first important step is the development of course material. Most of
the developers have never taken part in such a course, so they don't really
feel the students' situation, only have vague ideas about it. The really good
distance education material needs a methodological instructor, to help the
developers.
Next comes the system login of students. This way leads to the so-called
support system. This provides personal administration, keeps track of progress
and administers every part of the workflow. The system needs to be well built
up; otherwise parts of the process might be lost.
Could be a part of the support system, but due to its prominent role, we
have to emphasise the importance of correspondence. This provides a virtual
community for the “lone warriors”, and encourages those who fall behind.
The reckoning system has an important role. Through this, student and
teacher alike can measure the progress. We have to support the students by
self-assessed exercises and tests, and by reckoning exams, of course.
Finally, continuous surveys help a lot, gives feedback from every part
of the process.
The purpose of our presentation is to introduce such a system, which is
the result of our College's own investigation and development.