Quality in learning: what should contain the definition?

Abstract

Today there are many definitions about quality in education, but few are specific to e-learning. Those it is broad, it is associated with different contexts, interests of some authors, incomplete and with lack of rigor As a result, research in this area is difficult when comparing studies to get conclusions, advance new researches or understand the definition in detail. In this context, we developed a qualitative research, collecting empirical data from a set of e-learning experts of 17 countries and complementing it with the bibliography. As a result, we have identified 4 key areas with 24 characteristics that should be included in a definition of quality for e-learning. They can be useful for universities, e-learning managers, quality agencies and other stakeholders who want to build a new definition, adjust existing ones or implement, improve and identify quality in e-learning.