In order to assist Eaquals members with their response to the online and blended learning operational context Eaquals have drawn up a list of the current Eaquals standards and indicators which are particularly relevant to quality online provision. These guidelines were made available to members last month.

The list is intended to guide Eaquals members to establish a quality framework for online provision to ensure course programmes, teaching, assessment and resources are appropriate to online delivery, and that the virtual learning environment is designed to facilitate an effective learning process.

The guidelines can be applied to synchronous and asynchronous online delivery, as well as blended learning programmes.

Lou McLaughlin, Executive Director of Eaquals said:

‘Our members work to a consistently high standard and these guidelines assist them in continuing to deliver this standard even with the move to online delivery.’

Ludka Kotarska, Director of Accreditation said:

The guidelines are derived from those Eaquals standards and indicators of compliance which are particularly relevant to quality online provision and are included in Version 7.2 of the Eaquals Inspection Scheme and the newly developed Eaquals Scheme for Higher Education Institutions.