Standards of Excellence in E-Course Design in Higher Education

This research examines the standards for designing electronic courses in higher education institutions, with specific emphasis on Qassim University's exemplary experience. The study employs a comprehensive mixed-methods approach combining qualitative and quantitative methodologies: in-depth interviews with e-learning experts from the Deanship of E-learning and Information Technology (n=15), detailed questionnaires administered to faculty members and course designers (n=127), systematic content analysis of electronic courses (n=48), and a comparative study of internationally recognized standards.
The research critically analyzes the National e-Learning Center standards and their implementation at Qassim University across six integrated domains: innovative pedagogical course design, support mechanisms for students with disabilities, comprehensive course planning, clear assessment policies, diverse evaluation methods accommodating individual differences, and sustainable quality assurance strategies.
Findings reveal Qassim University's excellence in implementing these standards, achieving implementation rates of 72%-85%, attributed to the expertise of its specialized faculty and developers. The study identifies key challenges including the need for continuous professional development, enhanced technical infrastructure, expanded training programs, and more adaptive regulatory policies to keep pace with rapid technological advancements.
The research presents a detailed comparison between global standards (Quality Matters and OLC Quality Scorecard) and National e-Learning Center standards, proposing an innovative framework that integrates international best practices with the unique characteristics of Saudi educational environments. This framework includes specific evaluation mechanisms and a comprehensive incentivization system. The study highlights the Deanship of E-learning and Information Technology at Qassim University as a national pioneer in excellence standards implementation and concludes with actionable recommendations for enhancing e-learning ecosystems in alignment with Saudi Vision 2030 objectives.