The Meaning of Quality in Online/Blended Learning at a Malaysian University

In this Internet age, learners need to know how to efficiently use the massive amount of information available at their fingertips and disseminated online by their teachers. In relation to this, teachers and learners need to embrace online technology to make learning more engaging and interesting so that effective learning takes place. Malaysian universities have begun to implement online learning or e-learning to meet the needs of tertiary education. The purpose of the present study is to investigate management, lecturer and student perceptions of quality in online learning. Survey data from 3 academic managers, 15 lecturers, and 96 students from one faculty of a premier public university in Malaysia were employed. Qualitative data analysis revealed the top 8 quality features as ranked by number of references. The results also revealed similarities and differences in the rankings of the 8 quality features among managers, lecturers and students. The findings should be considered and reflected on in online course design, teaching strategies, and student support.