QUALITY IMPROVEMENT IN VIRTUAL HIGHER EDUCATION: A GROUNDED THEORY APPROACH

Authors : Rouhollah MAHDIUON, Davoud MASOUMI, Maghsood FARASATKHAH

Pages : 111-131

Doi:10.17718/tojde.285720

View : 18 | Download : 8

Publication Date : 2017-01-01

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :The article aims to explore the attributes of quality and quality improvement including the process and specific actions associated with these attributes – that contribute enhancing quality in Iranian Virtual Higher Education insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(VHE); institutions. A total of 16 interviews were conducted with experts and key actors in Iranian virtual higher education. A constant comparative analysis was adopted to construct a grounded theory model. Drawing on the experiences and perspectives of key actors and experts closely associated with quality in e-learning, a paradigm model for quality improvement in virtual higher education institutions was developed. The model articulates causal conditions, action/interaction strategies, consequences, contextual factors and intervening environments. Interestingly, quality of learning, i.e. deep learning was the core phenomenon in quality of virtual higher education institutions. 
Keywords : Quality improvement, e learning, learning quality, grounded theory and virtual higher education