Overview
ISO/IEC 19796-3:2009 - "Information technology - Learning, education and training - Quality management, assurance and metrics - Part 3: Reference methods and metrics" extends the reference framework for the description of quality approaches (RFDQ) from ISO/IEC 19796-1. It provides a harmonized, interoperable description of reference methods and quality metrics needed to implement quality management and quality assurance systems for IT used in learning, education and training (LET) and e‑learning.
Key topics
- Reference models
- Reference model for methods: a formalized description format for methods that can be adopted into quality management systems to realize and facilitate quality management.
- Reference model for metrics: a formalized description format for metrics to measure quality in a comparable way.
- Collections
- A collection of methods and a collection of metrics that stakeholders can reuse and adapt for specific lifecycle processes.
- Lifecycle alignment
- Methods and metrics are mapped to the e‑Learning lifecycle processes described in ISO/IEC 19796-1 to support quality planning, control and improvement.
- Conformance
- A method or metric is conformant if it uses the corresponding reference model (Clauses 7 and 8) or an instantiation in the described description formats (Annexes A and B).
- Supporting material
- Informative annexes provide example description formats for methods (Annex A) and metrics (Annex B).
- Normative references
- The standard references ISO/IEC 19796-1:2005 and ISO/IEC TR 9126-2:2003 as integral context for metrics and product quality.
Practical applications
- Design and implement quality management and assurance systems for:
- e‑learning platforms, learning management systems (LMS), digital courseware and related services.
- Procurement, validation and auditing of IT-based learning products and services.
- Select and adapt methods (e.g., measurement procedures, evaluation techniques) and metrics (e.g., indicators for effectiveness, compliance, customer satisfaction) aligned to defined quality objectives.
- Facilitate communication and interoperability between stakeholders (developers, administrators, providers, teachers, learners, auditors, government bodies) through harmonized descriptions.
Who should use this standard
- Quality managers and assurance teams in educational institutions and training providers
- Instructional designers, LMS vendors and IT teams for learning systems
- Accreditation bodies, auditors and policy makers concerned with e‑learning quality
- Procurement officers evaluating learning products and services
Related standards
- ISO/IEC 19796-1:2005 - General approach / RFDQ framework
- ISO/IEC TR 9126-2:2003 - Software product external metrics
- ISO Guide 72 context - classifies this part as a Type C (management systems related) standard
Keywords: ISO/IEC 19796-3, e‑learning quality, quality management, quality assurance, quality metrics, reference methods, learning, education and training, ITLET.