In an exciting accomplishment, the North-West University (NWU) has received global recognition for its excellence in online and technology-enhanced education through the prestigious 2023-2024 International Benchmarking Report. This remarkable achievement not only highlights the NWU's high standards but also sets a new bar for digital education worldwide, particularly in safeguarding personal data.
What is the International Benchmarking Initiative?
The international benchmarking project started in 2019 with just ten universities and organisations determined to create a shared understanding of what quality online education looks like. From this collaboration emerged the Benchmarking Framework and Data Set, now used as a trusted tool to measure excellence across various dimensions of online education. Today, the initiative includes 24 institutions spanning six continents, with the International Council for Open and Distance Education (ICDE) as a major partner since 2021.
How is Online Education Quality Assessed?
The benchmarking framework evaluates six key areas:
1. Teaching and Learning
2. Student Services
3. Technology Environment
4. Outcome and Impact on Society
5. Diversity and Inclusiveness
6. Organizational Aspects
In the 2023-2024 cycle, participating institutions—including NWU—submitted comprehensive data through a platform developed by Hamdan Bin Mohammed Smart University (HBMSU). This data-driven approach not only allows universities to critically assess their own performance but also encourages collaboration and knowledge-sharing to improve online education globally.
NWU's Commitment to Digital Excellence and Data Protection
As an engaged ICDE member, NWU stood out during this benchmarking exercise, earning particular recognition for its Technology Environment practices, specifically in personal data protection. In a time when digital security is critical, NWU’s independent evaluation ranked it among the best institutions globally for protecting personal data—a distinction that reflects its strong commitment to data security in education.
Geraldine Meyers-Mashamba, NWU’s Manager of Quality Control for the Unit for Distance Learning, played a key role in completing the Benchmarking Framework. On 29 October 2024, she presented NWU’s success during a webinar titled “Best Practices and Research Collaboration in Online and Open Higher Education: A Benchmarking Approach.” The event drew interest from universities around the world, eager to learn about NWU’s leading practices in online education and data protection.
Addressing a global audience, Geraldine emphasised that NWU’s approach is about more than policies and procedures. “It is about building an entire ecosystem around international best practices in personal data protection.” Her remarks sparked meaningful discussions on maintaining high standards in data security, a topic that resonates with many in the education sector.
Collaboration and Global Learning
During her presentation, Geraldine highlighted the invaluable role of collaborative learning. “By sharing best practices and collaborating with universities around the globe, the NWU is not only learning and improving its own strategies but also contributing to a worldwide effort to raise standards in online and distance learning,” she adds.
A Model Institution in Digital Education
The 2024 Benchmarking Report solidifies the NWU’s position as a leader in technology-driven education. Through its active participation in initiatives like the ICDE benchmarking framework, the NWU not only sets an example for others to follow but also shapes the global conversation around digital learning standards. This commitment ensures that the NWU remains at the forefront of digital innovation and quality assurance, benefiting both the university and the students it serves worldwide.
Special Recognition for NWU’s Governance Team
The NWU’s impressive record in personal data protection is due in no small part to its dedicated Corporate and Information Governance Services team. Special acknowledgment goes to Annamarie De Kock, NWU Governance Coordinator, for her collaboration with Geraldine in submitting the Benchmarking Framework. Their combined efforts have been instrumental in showcasing the NWU’s best practices on a global scale.
The NWU’s continued pursuit of excellence in digital education underscores its commitment to creating a brighter future for students and setting new standards for the online learning community. Explore more in the full Benchmarking Report 2024 here.
