Exploring distributed leadership for the quality management of online learning environments
Article
Article Title | Exploring distributed leadership for the quality management of online learning environments |
---|---|
ERA Journal ID | 40573 |
Article Category | Article |
Authors | Palmer, Stuart (Author), Holt, Dale (Author), Gosper, Maree (Author), Sankey, Michael (Author) and Allan, Garry (Author) |
Journal Title | European Journal of Open, Distance and E-Learning |
Journal Citation | 16 (2), pp. 61-75 |
Number of Pages | 15 |
Year | 2013 |
Place of Publication | Budapest, Hungary |
ISSN | 1027-5207 |
Web Address (URL) | http://www.eurodl.org/?article=588 |
Abstract | Online learning environments (OLEs) are complex information technology (IT) systems that intersect with many areas of university organisation. Distributed models of leadership have been proposed as appropriate for the good governance of OLEs. Based on theoretical and empirical research, a group of Australian universities proposed a framework for the quality management of OLEs, and sought to validate the model via a survey of Australasian university representatives with OLE leadership responsibility. For the framework elements: Planning and Resourcing were rated most important; Organisational structure was rated least important; Technologies were rated low in importance and high in satisfaction; Resourcing and Evaluation were rated low in satisfaction; and Resourcing had the highest rating of importance coupled with low satisfaction. Considering distributed leadership in their institution, respondents reported that the organisational alignments represented by ‘official’ reporting and peer relationships were significantly more important and more effective than the organisational alignments linking the formal and informal leaders. From a range of desirable characteristics of distributed leadership, 'continuity and sustainability' received the highest rating of importance and a low rating of 'in evidence' – there are concerns about the sustainability of distributed leadership for the governance of OLEs in universities. |
Keywords | online learning environments; distributed leadership; quality management framework |
ANZSRC Field of Research 2020 | 390405. Educational technology and computing |
390303. Higher education | |
350715. Quality management | |
Byline Affiliations | Deakin University |
Macquarie University | |
Learning and Teaching Support Unit | |
Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT) | |
Institution of Origin | University of Southern Queensland |
https://research.usq.edu.au/item/q219z/exploring-distributed-leadership-for-the-quality-management-of-online-learning-environments
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