Development of comprehensive decision support tools in distance learning quality management processes

Abstract

The object of this study is the quality of distance learning. The need for procedures to assess the quality of this form of education was manifested most clearly in connection with the COVID-19 pandemic, wars, and other global problems, which predetermine the relevance of the study. The study considers the construction of a decision support model for assessing the quality of distance learning. Underlying the method is a combination of the method of expert assessments and the criterion model of data analysis, the basic method for analyzing the data obtained is the method of hierarchy analysis. Structural and functional schemes of the quality management system for distance learning are proposed. During the study, 10 criteria and 52 indicators were selected, and the weight of each indicator was calculated. Based on the weight values obtained, a scheme of the criteria model of decision support was built to assess the quality of distance learning. During the expert evaluation of the criteria and indicators, it was determined that the weight of indicators within the criterion ranges from 0.09953 to 0.34262. Such a difference in weight values indicates the optimality of the set of indicators within the criterion. Due to the combination of a criteria-based approach to data analysis in combination with the method of expert assessments, the model can be easily adapted for a point assessment of individual components and finding problem areas in the implementation of distance learning and management decision-making. The results of the study reported here may be of interest to both heads of educational institutions and employees of services involved in processing information about the organization and reporting for strategic decision-making.