Resumen de Benchmarking E-Learning in UK Universities: Lessons from and for the International Context
Using participant-observer evaluation with documentary review, the author traces the history of the Pick&Mix benchmarking methodology in the UK programme on benchmarking elearning up to the current day. The paper aims to show how other countries can use a similar methodology, and discusses the ranges of applicability.
The paper focusses on: benefits of an open educational methodology; refinement of criteria;
issues of alignment to national government and quality agency mandates; project management approaches; making use of consortia, and how to ensure deep discussion within institutions. In particular, evidence is put forward for the restriction to around 24 criteria.
The author has been active in all four phases of the UK programme; has been an international advisor to the Australian scheme, collaborated closely with the main New Zealand expert, worked with EU projects, and analysed other schemes for their relevance to the UK. The author had a unique position in the UK programme including creating one of the leading methodologies (Pick&Mix) and updating three others, directly overseeing half the activity and being in charge of the final phase in Wales. The full range of comparative work on criteria has not been published and the conclusions on international use are new.
