Concept of Quality in Online Environments: The Actual Role of Teaching and Learning Centers

The last two years have been characterized by important and rapid changes in teaching models and strategies, given the repercussions from the Covid-19 pandemic on world societies. In such a scenario, according to the research needs that have emerged, EDUCAUSE has developed a specific survey relating to the new challenges of higher education. Last year, its research team drafted and presented the Horizon report, with the subtitle, Teaching and Learning Edition. Among its various topics, quality online learning is analyzed, since one of the emerging challenges that higher education finds itself facing is involving all stakeholders of academic institutions in the quality assurance processes. The present study therefore develops an exploratory survey for the identification and comparison of good practices and development models of Teaching and Learning Centers (TLCs), with reference to online learning environments and digital skills of the teacher. It has in fact been noted that, among the projects recently triggered with respect to quality online learning, many of these have concerned the setting up of TLCs online. Consequently, in the second part of the article, some reference models about TLCs will be examined, developing a critical description of them, highlighting the strategies, tools and services involved.