The E-Learning Label at the University of Paderborn

E-learning labels designate courses where e-learning is an essential part of the course format and the qualitative extent to which it is used. They promote the development and spread of digital teaching methods, help identify promoters of e-learning, and increase transparency for students when choosing courses. At the same time, it is intended to motivate instructors to use higher-level e-learning in their courses.

At the University of Paderborn, a 2-level labelling system is in place. The e-learning labels E-Learning: Basic and E-Learning: Advanced are assigned based on the results of an online survey. The label can then be placed on the instructor’s/course homepage, and will in future appear in PANDA and PAUL. Requesting the label is a voluntary process.

The project pilot phase began in the winter semester of 2016 with the awarding of a simple E-Learning Label; this one-level endorsement system continued through the summer semester of 2017. The 2-level labelling system has been in place since the winter semester 2017/2018.

At the Best-Practices Teaching Symposium (Tag der Lehre), the 10 courses with the highest number of points from the previous year are introduced, and first prize is awarded in 2 categories (established professors, and next-generation academic staff) to those instructors whose courses have the most points.

E-Learning Label Levels

The e-learning label comprises 2 levels at the University of Paderborn. The labels are awarded via a point system; points are assigned based on a set of criteria. Merely distributing course materials via a digital platform (LMS, eSemesterapparat, etc.) or presenting content using digital media does not qualify for an e-learning label.

E-Learning Label Level 1: E-Learning Basic

The e-learning label Basic is awarded to courses that are assigned at least 20 points in the appropriate categories in the criteria.

E-Learning Label Level 2: E-Learning Advanced

The e-learning label Advanced is awarded when e-learning constitutes a large part of the course; this implies that the course has been assigned at least 40 points according to the set criteria.