Quality in an e-University

Abstract

This paper examines the concept of an 'e-university' from the perspective of quality. The emerging and generic forms of the e-university are described, followed by a consideration of what might constitute a general specification for 'e-pedagogy'. In order to provide a framework for thinking about issues of quality in online learning, a distinction is drawn between three kinds of pedagogy, which map on to the fundamental stages of learning called here conceptualisation, construction and dialogue. A number of key issues about e-learning are identified, which add to the growing list of issues raised by the development of borderless education. Despite concerns about the costs of adequate learner-support, an overall conclusion points to the positive benefit of increased visibility for quality assurance.