Summary / Abstract - ICT and Learning in SMEs : The Issue of quality

The paper looks at the issue of quality of e-learning in SMEs.

It starts out by reviewing the findings of research undertaken by the Leonardo da Vinci funded ICT and SME project. Most significant of these is that despite there being little evidence of formal e-learning taking place in SMEs, there is significant use of Information and Communication Technologies of informal learning.

The paper examines the different concerns being expressed over the quality of e-learning provision. These include the integrity of e-learning programmes, pedagogic approaches and the lack of evaluation measures and quality standards.

The nest section examines three different approaches to quality in e-learning: accreditation, quality assurance and a focus on learning processes and considers the advantages and disadvantages of each approach.

This is followed by a consideration of some of the specific issues regarding quality when examining the use of ICT for learning in SMEs. It states that if approaches to e-learning differ by sector it is likely that perceptions relating to quality will also differ accordingly. Approaches to quality also need to take account of the predominance of informal learning, in which the leaner is the final arbiter of when, where and how learning takes place.

Evidence form the ICt and SME project suggests SME managers, in particular, rely on networks. They do not see themselves as having the time or expertise to evaluate different e-learning opportunities. Rather they are interested in the credibility and reputation of the provider.

The major issue is how to develop models and tools which can assist in developing quality and which are clear and transparent in their utility for SMEs whilst at the same time developing policy measures which can facilitate (or enforce) the adoption of such quality standards.

The best approach is to develop more rigourous and widely applicable models for evaluating e-learning, rather than any national or European quality kite marks (quality marks) or the like. Of particular interest, given the fragmented nature and the wide range of contexts within the SME world, would be to provide models that SMEs themselves can use to evaluate the potential of the solutions they are offered.

A further measure is to develop models for classifying quality approaches. Yet another approach may lie in further technical development. Examples of these different approaches are provided.

The final section of the paper considers what policy measures might be taken as European national and regional level to develop approaches to quality of e-learning for SMEs.