8 Impact on quality assurance, monitoring and evaluation

This section reports on the findings relating to the impact of networked learning on quality assurance, monitoring and evaluation.

8.4 Discussion

The evidence suggests that some changes in quality procedures are taking place as institutions engage with networked learning. In particular, the development of learning materials has led to major changes, especially for FE institutions; these include the creation of central units to support and, in some cases monitor, the development of high quality materials; the implementation of systems to ensure that only quality assured materials are made available online; and the development of self-monitoring systems for materials development. In HE, overall changes to quality procedures are more likely to have undergone minor rather than major changes. There is also an increase in the monitoring of both staff and student experiences, which is indicated largely by the questionnaire rather than the interview data. Evaluation of staff and student experiences appears to be an area institutions are just beginning to address and is an issue that would benefit from further investigation.