Canadian E-Learning Conference June 17-20 2008

Dimensions of Quality: Reflections on Current Practices

This session will provide an international perspective on the development of context-sensitive quality assurance systems in e-learning and distance education. How do you know that you are delivering quality programs and services? Can there be a universal standard for quality? How can you develop a culture of quality? The presentation will be based on his extensive experience in leading distance education workshops and conducting educational evaluations in countries such as Bangladesh, Botswana, Brazil, India, Japan, Kenya, Malaysia, Nigeria, Russia, Sri Lanka, St. Lucia, and Switzerland

Clayton R. Wright has expertise in educational technology, distance education, curriculum development, instructional design, and professional development in Canadian and international settings. He has secondary and postsecondary teaching and administrative experience in Quebec, Ontario, and Alberta. For 21 years, he led the award-winning Instructional Media and Development team at Grant MacEwan College. As a consultant, workshop facilitator, and writer, Dr. Wright has been actively involved with provincial, national, and international collaborative efforts in advancing educational systems through the use of learning technologies. He has undertaken a variety of international consulting engagements with the Association of Canadian Community Colleges, the Canadian Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, the Commonwealth of Learning, the Commonwealth Secretariat, and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.

Dr. Wright is committed to the improvement of educational systems in emerging nations and has lectured, led workshops, and conducted educational evaluations in many countries. Recently, he assisted faculty with the development of courses and quality assurance systems at Bangladesh Open University, Wawasan Open University in Malaysia, the National Institute for Open Schooling in India, the Sri Lankan Open School of the National Institute of Education, the GIATMARA junior vocational institutes in Malaysia, the National Open University of Nigeria, and the Botswana Ministry of Education Open Distance Learning Teacher Training Program.

His publications have appeared in refereed journals including: Alberta Association of Continuing Education Journal, Canadian Journal of Educational Communications, College Quarterly, Distance Education, Educational Technology, Performance and Instruction Journal, and TechTrends. He has a BSc (McGill University), and a M.A. (Concordia University) and a PhD (University of Alberta) specializing in educational technology.