Quality clearly has become the main factor for success in e-learning. Quality development is a topic of rising importance, especially in regions like Europe and North America, where e-learning and e-training markets are maturing. Many working groups are building initiatives and developing concepts and approaches to assure or certify quality in the field of e-learning in both zones. The range of quality issues stretches from pedagogical concepts to technological frameworks to economic models. “Interoperability” of e-learning has acquired a meaning that is not only technical but also semantic, and it has become one of the frameworks for standardization.

The workshop will provide an overview of the state e-learning quality in North America and Europe and will highlight opportunities and fields of future cooperation. One main focus will be to introduce visions for e-learning from both perspectives and discuss commonalities and differences.

SESSION 1: QUALITY – CONTRASTING PERSPECTIVES & CURRENT STATUS (1400-1530)
An overview of issues in e-learning quality from a European point of view. The speakers will focus on potential collaboration in quality standards.

Chair: Dr. Richard Hezel

1 min. statements from the speakers about their “key messages” + solicitation of initial questions from the audience (15 Min.)

1. Presentation 1 (20 Min + 5 Min Q&A)
Quality in E-learning from a European Point of View
The European Quality Observatory overview
Dr. Ulf-Daniel Ehlers

2. Presentation 2 (20 Min + 5 Min Q&A)
Standards for Improved E-Learning
The E-Learning Quality Initiative Germany (QED)
Dr. Jan M. Pawlowski & Christian Stracke

3. Presentation 3 (20 Min + 5 Min Q&A)
Implementing Quality
An European/International industry point of view
Dr. Richard Straub (invited)

Break (15Min)


SESSION 2: MEETING INTERNATIONAL NEEDS THROUGH AGREEMENTS ON QUALITY STANDARDS (1545-1715)
A North American view on e-learning quality and successful models and experiences.

Chair: Dr. Ulf-Daniel Ehlers

1 min. statements from the speakers about their “key messages” + solicitation of initial questions from the audience (10 Min.)

1. Presentation 4 (20 Min + 5 Min Q&A)
Quality and Accountability Standards in North American E-Learning
Measures of E-Learning Quality
Dr. Richard Hezel

2. Presentation 5 (20 Min + 5 Min Q&A)
Open Resources in E-Learning
MIT’s OpenCourseWare initiative and its integration with UNESCO’s Open Educational Resources
Dr. Sally Johnstone


3. ROUNDTABLE (30 Min)
Future Perspectives on Quality and Standardization: How can we learn from each other?

Moderation: Dr. Ulf-Daniel Ehlers
Entire panel and audience participants

End of session: 17:15