With this research, it is intended to establish a set of dimensions, criteria and indicators for the monitoring of Open and Distance Education (ODE) courses in the Higher Education (HE) context, in response to the absence of a specific framework of quality criteria for ODE in the Portuguese HE. The research developed in the area in recent years has focused on very specific contexts, not allowing the construction of a more comprehensive view of the national reality. In this way, and given the emphasis that international guidelines have placed on this field [1] [2] [3], the first step of this research is to identify quality dimensions, criteria and indicators, based on the literature review, establishing the first version of the framework. Posteriorly, we intend to set up a panel of experts to gather points of view about the dimensions, criteria and indicators defined in the first version, reaching the final version.
Areas 1. Policy for quality assurance 2. Design and approval of course 3. Student-centered learning, teaching and assessment
Dimensions 1.1 Institutional vision and integration of EAD in the strategic plan; 1.2 Quality assurance system; 1.3 Technical and technological plan; 1.4 Project management and financial sustainability. 2.1Definition of curriculum, course materials and learning resources; 2.2 Pedagogical design; 2.3 Technical and technological design; 2.4 Promotion of virtual mobility; 2.5 Approval process. 3.1 Autonomy, flexibility and customization; 3.2 Interaction, collaboration and communication; 3.3 Assessment, student progress and learning pace; 3.4 Ethical issues. 4.1 Consistency and transparency of admission requirements; 4.2 Completion procedures; 4.3 Recognition and certification. 5.1 Recruitment and conditions of employment; 5.2 Qualifications and competences; 5.3 Training and professional development; 5.4 Teachers: academic activity and research; 5.5 Technical and administrative support; 5.6 Teams dimension. 6.1 Course induction; 6.2 Guidance and academic and administrative support; 6.3 Technical support; 6.4 Complaints. 7. Information management 7.1 Collection and use of data. 8. Public information 8.1 Dissemination of information. 9. On-going monitoring and continuous improvement 9.1 Quality assurance policy monitoring; 9.2 Monitoring of course design and approval process; 9.3 Teaching and learning process monitoring; 9.4 Continuous improvement process. 10. External quality assurance 10.1 Cyclical external quality assurance.