Need for quality improvements
The quality of distance learning programmes is one of the important determinants of learner demand. The term quality needs to be considered in its broader meaning to include relevance and impact of the programmes. Learner demand is conditioned by how relevant DL qualifications are in meeting their needs. Similarly, the quality of DL qualifications for learners is dependent on the added value they bring for learner in the labour market and in facilitating progression through the qualifications structure. These outcome measures of quality are dependent on the specificities of input parameters. In general, assuring the quality of DL programmes is different in many respects from the traditional higher education programmes and requires differential treatment.
The quality of DL programmes is also highly dependent on the quality of DL teachers, which requires specialised training and specialised tutors. The capacity to train DL teachers and tutors has been expanded at the UAb but there is a critical need for its expansion in other HEIs planning to offer DL programmes. The quality of DL is also dependent on the quality of research and innovation. This area is relatively underdeveloped in Portugal and requires much attention.