The Rector of the University of Nicosia in TeSLA working team

The Rector of the University of Nicosia, Professor Philippos Pouyioutas, participated in the HORIZON 2020 Workgroup research project TeSLA (www.tesla-project.eu), which is funded by the European Union with an amount of EUR 7.3 million.
 
The Working Group met in Porto on October 24 and 25, 2018 to evaluate and improve the TeSLA European methodology for e-learning in distance learning and the tools developed for online examinations. The working group also included, inter alia, the organizations: the European Quality Assurance Agency in Higher Education (ENQA), the Quality Assurance Agency of Catalunya (AQU), the European Quality Assurance Network for Information Education (QQA) ), Latvian Higher Education Quality Agency, Quality Department of the Association of Chartered and Certified Accountants (ACCA), UK Open University, Open University of Catalonia, University of Jyväskylä, Autonomous University of Barcelona, University of Limerick, University of Alberta and Anadolu University.
 
It is noted that the European TeSLA methodology for e-learning evaluation in distance learning has been developed by ENQA in collaboration with EQANIE and AQU and ensures the correct pedagogical approach to student assessment by applying the European Standards and Guidelines for Ensuring Quality in Higher Education. It is also noted that the proper distance learning provision addresses all the parameters of flexible learning including student assessment.
 
Recognizing the problems faced by various universities but mainly Quality Assurance and Certification Bodies and Recognition Bodies for Physical Examinations in Testing Centers, which is contrary to the philosophy of providing flexible learning, TeSLA has developed state-of-the-art tools that recognize the students' identity during their electronic supervision when passing computer examinations. These tools are based on face and voice recognition technologies, and face and voice recognition and keystroke dynamics. TeSLA also provides forensic analysis and anti-plagiarism tools.
 
Rector Pouyioutas presented the conclusions of the Expert Group he chaired in June 2018 to evaluate the application of TeSLA at the UK Open University, a world-leading institution in distance learning, with more than 173,000 distance students.
 
According to Rector Pouyioutas, "Distance learning can really be such, if there is an electronic assessment and electronic examination of the exam. Universities should therefore be encouraged to adopt e-evaluation and online supervision, while Quality Assurance Bodies should provide the framework for quality control of these new methods. TeSLA is a reference point. "
 
Rector Pouyioutas also stressed that "Distance learning does not only use written final examinations specifically for postgraduate programs. Many universities offering distance learning use continuous assessment (work, portfolio, etc.) instead of written final examinations for the evaluation of postgraduate students. This is in line with the commonly accepted view that written exams are not the best method of assessing knowledge and skills. The Quality Assurance and Certification Bodies are therefore called upon to provide an evaluation framework that does not hinder the provision of distance learning through final written examinations. "