Do the ACODE benchmarks still cut the mustard or is eLearning maturity just a dream? There is light at the end of the tunnel

Abstract

The symposium will first review a series of benchmarking activities that have been undertaken over recent years using the ADODE Benchmarks. It will provide a number of options for participants as to the different ways in which these benchmarks can be used and it will seek to work with participants to help them establish a plan of action for their own institution. As these benchmarks can be used at different levels and in different ways, in their entirety or in part, this activity will provide participant, with keys for using these benchmarks at whatever level they might find most appropriate in their institution. Different perspectives on the usefulness of these benchmarks will be canvassed with a view to establishing the best way forward for participant. But more importantly, this session will seek to empower individuals to provide contextualized leadership in this area eLearning quality once returning to their institutions. Participants in this symposium would be those who are interested in conducting future benchmarking activities in the area of e-learning, potentially using these benchmarks to conduct either an internal audit of what their institution has in place, or for those looking to plan for an inter-institutional activity, for more broad-ranging quality purposes. Each panel members has considerable experience using the ACODE benchmarks and other quality instruments to help their institutions navigate their future in eLearning. Each also have responsibility, in varying degrees, for their own institutions response to current trends and can provide participant with an inter-institutional perspective of the importance of benchmarking to help establish strategic direction in the area of e-learning.