Evaluation of the Swiss Virtual Campus - Schweizerische ...

Assessment
We believe that our Committee, with the resources allocated and the limited availability of its
members, has achieved the objectives designated, occasionally exceeding expectations. Some
of these objectives must still be pursued with the existing structures (CCSP) or new ones
(SWITCH’s contribution).
Most of the projects ensure an efficient and dynamic support for teaching while inducing
changes in pedagogical culture.
The SC is in agreement with one of the experts who estimated that 60% of the projects are of
good quality, 20% are excellent and 20% are at present insufficient but are generally likely to
improve. The difficulties or failures encountered are mainly due to poor collaboration between
institutions, insufficient support or the retirement of one of the leading teaching staff members.
The question of platforms and their maintenance will now be ensured by SWITCH. SWITCH
will also manage a system of stocking and access to the modules which have been developed
(learning object repository) as well as the support of a link to the Swiss Virtual Campus, with the
CCSP’s, via the ‘Eduhub’ project.
Regarding the durability and the future dynamic of e-learning in the different institutions,
responsibility has been handed over to each Institute of Higher Education. Although several of
these institutions will doubtless ensure an efficient continuation in this domain, one might doubt
the ability of others to do so. Furthermore, there is a risk that inter-institutional collaboration will
progressively weaken. The suggestion made by the SC to the CRUS that the transition should
be progressive and enhancement aided, has not had the desired effect. It is to be hoped that a
timely awareness of the important role played by e-learning in the potential for educational
interaction and its effect on quality may yet come about.
Evaluation
The approach taken in the evaluative procedure, requiring two consecutive stages, didn’t
entail a detailed analysis of the quality of the projects, but it allowed a review of actions to be
taken and a balanced view of the future.
The Background report focuses mainly on the role and the importance of the CCSP’s.
The international experts’ report commends the judicious use of allocated resources. An
evaluation of the many projects (over 110) was not possible within the limited time available.
This report reflects a genuine concern regarding the future of e-learning in our institutions and,
in particular, the lack of a progressive transition in institutional support. This echoes the SC’s
opinion.
More broadly, the SC wishes to draw attention to the competition between institutions, that
has actually evolved into multiple rankings of universities and also the pre-eminence of research
in terms of publication (web of sciences) over pedagogical quality. In the long run, it is the
quality of teaching at all levels (Bachelor and Master), supported by research, of course, which
defines the quality of our institutions. This is the essential message which the SC wishes to
transmit to those responsible for our institutions.
2
RECTORS’ CONFERENCE OF THE
SWISS UNIVERSITIES
Swiss Virtual Campus
Prof. Dr. Marcel Jufer
President