- Turkish Online Journal of Distance Education
- Vol: 18 Issue: 1
- QUALITY IMPROVEMENT IN VIRTUAL HIGHER EDUCATION: A GROUNDED THEORY APPROACH
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 : 7 | Download : 5
Publication Date : 2017-01-01
Article Type : Research
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 (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