Quality Standards in Online Education: The ISO/IEC 40180 Framework

Authors

  • Khitam Yousuf Shraim Palestine Technical University - Kadoorie

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.3991/ijet.v15i19.15065

Keywords:

Online education, Quality standards, Quality framework, ISO/IEC 40180, Higher education

Abstract


As higher education institutions (HEIs) make growing use of online education, enhancing and ensuring quality in online education (QOE) have become increasingly important for their competitiveness. Researchers and both national and international organizations have developed a variety of models, frameworks and guidelines for QOE. However, selecting from these a holistic quality framework that meets the needs and requirements of HEIs is challenging. This study reviews current QOE frameworks, guidelines and benchmarks used in diverse contexts, with reference to an analysis of 72 publications between 2000 and 2019, then introduces the ISO/IEC 40180 framework for quality assurance, quality management and quality improvement in IT-enhanced learning, education and training. The findings show that while no holistic quality framework for open education exists currently, ISO/IEC 40180 is a flexible and adaptable framework for revolutionary organizational change, meeting the needs of multiple stakeholders of educational organizations at the macro, meso and micro levels. Therefore, HEIs seeking to foster growth, competitiveness and international recognition are advised to consider adopting the ISO/IEC 40180 framework, which should be integrated into national quality education standards.

Author Biography

Khitam Yousuf Shraim, Palestine Technical University - Kadoorie

Khitam is an Associate Professor of Instructional Technology - Palestine Technical University - Kadoorie. She is one of the Founding Directors of the Center for Excellence in Learning and Teaching and the e-Learning Unit at An-Najah National University, Palestine. Her research interests revolve around promoting creative learning and innovative teaching in higher education, particularly in the area of technology-enhanced educational change include mobile learning, social online learning , the use of emerging technologies in education and training, and the use of ICT for Education for All. She has  published many papers and presented workshops and seminars in many national and international conferences.

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Published

2020-10-05

How to Cite

Shraim, K. Y. (2020). Quality Standards in Online Education: The ISO/IEC 40180 Framework. International Journal of Emerging Technologies in Learning (iJET), 15(19), pp. 22–36. https://doi.org/10.3991/ijet.v15i19.15065

Issue

Vol. 15 No. 19 (2020)

Section

Papers

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