Benchmarking Framework for Online, Open, Smart, and Technology-Enhanced Higher Education
The Benchmarking Framework for Online, Open, Smart, and Technology-Enhanced Higher Education is an assessment tool for online and open universities aimed to identify its strengths and vulnerabilities and benchmark themselves in a rapidly evolving landscape of higher education. The Framework has been collectively developed by members of the Consortium – experts from online and open universities, quality assurance agencies and higher education associations with respect to unique aspects of online education and the rising need in quality assurance.
Dimensions of the Benchmarking Framework
assesses the quality of teaching and learning, looking into such indicators as learner engagement, feedback mechanisms, assessment strategies, design of online courses, personalization and flexible paths for learners and others.
considers a range of support services and resources available virtually to learners, quality of academic and career advising, communication between learners and university staff, etc.
evaluates availability and reliability of technological infrastructure, information security and personal data protection, etc.
assesses graduate competencies and employability, community engagement, employers’ satisfaction, and other indicators.
considers international and gender diversity of faculty and learners and access to those traditionally denied access to higher education.
includes online learning policy that provides direction for the use of technology in learning and teaching as well as strategic plan and improvement strategy.