Course Quality Standards
1. Course design and development
Courses are designed and developed to provide a high-quality, stimulating, and engaging learning experience.
Rationale: Course design and development are carried out by course teams who are key to delivering high-quality courses; the course teams will be committed for the full duration of the course. A course team consists of content experts (TU Delft instructors), teaching assistants, a course coordinator, and a learning developer. Course design takes a learner-centred approach following the ES online learning experience principles and its course development process, while being relevant to the target audience. Courses enable learners to meet the learning objectives effectively. ES develops its courses based on open and inclusive practices where possible, as part of our mission to educate the world.
1.1 Each course has a qualified course team with the expertise required to achieve the course goals 1.2 The course development process ensures course teams are provided with relevant resources 1.3 The ES online learning experience principles guide the course design 1.4 The learning objectives are aligned with specific assessments and learning activities for the given target audience 1.5 Courses are developed based on open practices, where possible 1.6 The course design follows accessibility and usability guidelines.
2. Course curriculum
Courses enable learners to integrate knowledge and professional skills in the fields of Science, Engineering, and Design.
Rationale: Courses tie in with current developments in the fields of Science, Engineering, and Design and belong to at least one of the ES portfolio themes. The courses provide learning activities that have real-world applications. Detailed course information is included in the course syllabus so that learners know what to expect throughout the course, including the relevant learning and assessment regulations. Course curricula aim to be inclusive and accessible to all learners, and attract the audience the course is designed for.
2.1 Courses fit within the field of science, engineering, and design 2.2 The courses' activities, materials, and the learning experience enable learners to achieve the intended learning outcomes 2.3 The courses' syllabus outlines the course overview, learning objectives, study load, and assessment details so that the learner knows what to expect 2.4 Courses match the diverse target audiences in accordance with the ES Diversity & Inclusion statement.
3. Assessments
Courses have an adequate assessment system in place according to the type of course.
Rationale: Assessments are constructively aligned with relevant learning objectives and activities. Assessment requirements and results are transparent and available to learners. Assessments are in place to support the learner’s learning process.
3.1 Learning outcomes are assessed using a balance of formative and summative assessments appropriate to the curriculum 3.2 Assessments are authentic, varied and inclusive 3.3 Assessment criteria and results are clearly and timely communicated to learners 3.4 Learners may be allowed to do retakes with the approval of the course team where applicable
3.5 There is a process in place to handle disputes and fraud cases in a standardised manner
3.6 The QA Board upholds the Quality Standards with regards to assessment and certification.
4. Course delivery
Course delivery methods encourage learners’ engagement and active learning through consistent moderation and feedback.
Rationale: The course delivery promotes learner engagement and aims to build a learning community, supporting open communication, and establishing trust. Active learning is promoted through good and consistent moderation, clear communication, and timely feedback to learners. Aggregated platform data is analysed to improve the learning experience for future runs.
4.1 Course team members in charge of moderation are fully trained before starting to moderate courses 4.2 Course moderation is consistent and of good quality 4.3 Each course includes (in)formal feedback to help learners improve their performance 4.4 Learners are informed of and held accountable for adhering to the ES Code of Conduct, and to the forum and collaboration guidelines 4.5 Course delivery is evaluated through the analysis of platform data, input from learners on their experience, and feedback from the course team.
5. Evaluation and monitoring
Courses are systematically evaluated for their educational quality and relevance.
Rationale: The course evaluation process is crucial to ensure that an effective Quality Assurance cycle is embedded at the course level. Evaluation ensures that learners have an optimal learning experience and achieve the intended learning outcomes. Additionally, courses are evaluated for continued relevance. Aggregated data and feedback (gathered from learners, and teaching and support staff) are collected and analysed to serve as input for improvements.
5.1 There is a QA cycle in place for continuous improvement 5.2 Learners' data and course team feedback contribute to the improvement plan 5.3 Courses are regularly reviewed and improved (including in Open CourseWare) to remain relevant for learners 5.4 The QA Board upholds the quality of education by monitoring the course evaluation process.
6. Technology
Technology adequately supports the courses’ learning outcomes.
Rationale: High-quality online courses can make use of technology that supports the learning outcomes. Information is available for learners about what is required to follow the course in terms of technology and internet connection. ES is open to innovation towards existing and new, promising technologies. Technologies implemented in the courses are supported by relevant guidelines; training is also available for teaching and support staff, and learners. ES has a privacy policy in place that learners are made aware of.
6.1 A variety of technologies supports the achievement of the learning outcomes 6.2 Course teams are supported in the development and use of technologies 6.3 Learners are advised of the minimum technical requirements needed to be able to follow a course 6.4 Learners are informed on how their data and privacy are protected.
Extension School for Continuing Education
Image credits (CC-BY): Nick Morrison on Unsplash.