Technology and Delivery

For an online provider, the platform is the campus. This standard asks whether the technology is dependable, secure and usable by the learners it is meant to serve, and whether the institution can carry on if something fails.

What HCDE expects

• A learning platform and tools that are reliable enough for the programs delivered on them, with scheduled support and maintenance.
• Protection of learner data and privacy that follows the law that applies, with clear rules on who can see what.
• Course materials and tools that follow recognised accessibility guidelines, and that work on the devices and connections learners realistically have.
• Backup, recovery and continuity arrangements, so that learners keep access to materials and results.
• Proportionate checks that the person taking an online assessment is the enrolled learner.
• Managed relationships with technology suppliers, including what happens to data if a supplier changes.

Evidence reviewers look for

• Description of the platform and its support arrangements
• Privacy and data protection policy, with the records that show it is followed
• Accessibility review of materials and tools
• Continuity and recovery plan, and the last time it was tested
• Description of identity checks used in assessment
• Supplier agreements covering learner data

Questions a reviewer may ask

• What would a learner lose, and for how long, if the platform failed?
• Who can see a learner's data, and how is that access recorded?
• How does the institution make sure that materials can be used by learners with limited bandwidth or assistive technology?