SOCRATES - 2007 - 1999/001 - 001 - E-XCELLENCE+ E-XCELLENCE+ 01.01.2008 - 31.12.2009

Project aims: The main objective is to improve the quality of e-learning performance in Europe by integrating the E-xcellence instrument in the institutional frameworks and the national policy frameworks. This project supports processes of improving e-learning performance by self-assessment, onsite assessment and accreditation. By supporting processes of improving e-learning performance E-XCELLENCE+ enhances the quality, attractiveness and accessibility of the opportunities for lifelong learning and will certainly have an overall positive effect on lifelong learning in Europe by improving quality assurance in higher education, improving mobility in higher education and innovation.

Project coordinator:
EADTU

Partners:
EADTU, University of Oulu, Open University UK, Open University NL, Swedish Agency for Networks and Cooperation in Higher Education (NSHU), Università Telematica Internazionale (UNINETTUNO), Nederlands-Vlaamse Accreditatieorganisatie (NVAO), KU-Leuven, Universitäre Fernstudien Schweiz, Universidad Nacional de Educacion a Distancia (UNED), Hungarian e-University Network, “Moscow State University for Economics, Statistics and Informatics (MESI), Estonian Information Technology Foundation (EITSA), ”STU Bratislava, Slovakia, ČADUV - Czech Association of DTU’s, University of Hradec Králové, QAA, ENQA

Project outputs:
Quality Assurance in higher education E-xcellence offers a supplement to the quality in higher education process by focussing specifically on e-learning related criteria. It leads to educational improvement and supports innovation and contributes to the development of quality lifelong learning by enhanced accessibility, flexibility, interactiveness and attractiveness of lifelong learning available within member-states. By promoting E-xcellence we promote high performance, innovation and a European dimension in systems and practices in the field of improved e-learning performance. By modelling the E-xcellence tool on the needs and interests of institutions and giving them a choice of modes with different degrees of intensity, the tool incorporates what has been endorsed on the European level as good practice in external quality assurance processes. Moreover, by developing a set of benchmarks for the European level to build its tool on, the E-xcellence project has contributed toward building a European dimension for the specific field of e-learning. Mobility in higher education Quality assurance in higher education is a fundamental aspect of continued internationalisation. The Berlin Communiqué recognizes the distinctiveness of each country’s arrangements but looks towards some better alignment in order students and other stakeholders can be confident about comparability and equivalence across the European higher education area. This will facilitate mobility and place mutual recognition or credit transfer on a more secure footing. The quality of e-learning in higher education is however not integral part of the current internal and external quality assurance systems. Still missing are the QA specific to e-learning like: -criteria based on ease of access -new forms of interaction (students and staff) -flexibility, personalisation and other pedagogical aspects that are more relevant to e-learning Innovation in higher education The valorisation and implementation of E-xcellence will contribute directly to the development of innovative approaches in education by presenting examples of good practices and excellence level benchmarks as reference for improvement in lifelong open and flexible learning. As benchmarking is an instrument based on dialogue it will also indirectly contribute to innovation by increased exchanges of ideas and expertise. It leads to educational improvement and supports innovation and contributes to the development of quality lifelong learning by enhanced accessibility, flexibility, interactiveness and attractiveness of lifelong learning available within member-states. This project will elaborate further on quality assurance and accreditation as a response to the identified needs of the Bologna process and in line with the preferred approach. It has been our challenge from the start to contribute to the work of other quality agencies by seamlessly supplementing aspects specific to e-learning to the quality assurance strategies on the institutional and national level.