Tools for quality assurance for the development of online learning in a workplace environment - a case study

Bronte Moran, Computer Aided Learning Development Officer, South Australia Police Academy, Strathfield Terrace, Taperoo, South Australia, 5017. Email: moran.bronte@police.sa.edu.au

Keywords

Quality; Quality assurance; South Australia Police; web-based training; online training; training; training standards; standards

Abstract

Quality assurance for the development of online learning is a critical issue for the South Australia Police (SAPOL). Standards are identified and monitored at two levels - the organization or macro level and the product development or micro level. At the macro level, tools and procedures are used for quality assurance for development of all training, regardless of the mode of delivery. At the micro level, specific standards for the development of online learning have been written and tools created to measure online learning against these standards. The standards are based on cognitive and adult learning principles, instructional and web design principles and an understanding of the learner and leaning environment. Tools such as guidelines, templates and defined procedures provide for quality assurance in managing the development process of online learning and the quality of the completed online learning product.