E-learning design and entrepreneurship in three European universities
International Journal of Entrepreneurial Behavior & Research
ISSN: 1355-2554
Article publication date: 26 June 2020
Issue publication date: 14 October 2020
Abstract
Purpose
According to Fee (2009), e-learning systems have three components: technology, learning content and e-learning design. Few studies have examined e-learning design as an educational process, although universities are increasingly using e-learning as they become more entrepreneurial. This article aimed to investigate how universities approach e-learning design.
Design/methodology/approach
The study used a mixed methods approach. First, the authors carried out a quantitative analysis of the websites of the top 100 European universities in the Quacquarelli Symonds Ranking. The authors then moved to a qualitative approach, analyzing a pilot case and three case studies. Semistructured interviews were conducted with managers of e-learning services at the chosen European universities.
Findings
The 100 best European universities in the Quacquarelli Symonds Rankings all use e-learning methods. The case study universities were selected from this list. The semistructured interviews with managers of e-learning services highlighted the importance of the design of e-learning courses. However, most focused on the professional figures involved, rather than the process for e-learning and the overall design of the course.
Originality/value
The article provides a detailed study of e-learning design in an educational context. The analysis of multiple case studies allowed the authors to identify how the selected universities carry out didactic design activity through the use of technology. It therefore contributes to knowledge of cases of digital academic entrepreneurship.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The author wish to thank the managers of the e-learning services of the universities of Naples Federico II (Italy), University of Dresden (Germany), Queen’s University Belfast (Northern Ireland, UK) and University of Bologna (Italy) for the availability and useful information provided during the interviews. Moreover, they would like to acknowledge anonymous reviewers who meticulously provided us with useful suggestions to improve our article.
Citation
Gentile, T.A.R., Reina, R., De Nito, E., Bizjak, D. and Canonico, P. (2020), "E-learning design and entrepreneurship in three European universities", International Journal of Entrepreneurial Behavior & Research, Vol. 26 No. 7, pp. 1547-1566. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJEBR-06-2019-0407
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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