Since the launch of IQAT in June 2006, Hezel Associates has earnestly supported the continued development and improvement of the Interactive Quality Assessment Tool (IQAT) in cooperation with the National University Telecommunications Network (NUTN).   

IQAT (eye · cat) helps administrators improve their management of distance learning programs and initiatives. DL leaders with IQAT gain a tool to measure and manage change; to record, manage and track data over time; and to compare against other institutions.

With the close of the IQAT Charter Member campaign in late April, a diverse core group of 45 institutions has emerged as the formative peers for the continued development of the tool. At NUTN's annual meeting in Philadelphia on June 10-12th, 2007, Hezel Associates hosted the inaugural IQAT Charter Member Roundtable for these early-entry subscribers.

With the nineteen IQAT Charter Member Institutions in attendance, the forum provided a unique opportunity for candid, face-to-face discussions between peer institutions around the subject of benchmarking and the incorporation of IQAT into strategic planning for their distance learning programs. The group of IQAT leaders determined current and future areas for benchmarking and intended uses of IQAT reports and information.

IQAT's Charter Members will continue working cooperatively to broaden the tool's usefulness and subscriber base. The group will further analyze IQAT's survey content through virtual discussions in its listserv as well as in quarterly conference calls. Future in-person meetings are being developed for other upcoming conferences, and plans are underway for a formalized workshop at NUTN's 2008 conference in Park City, Utah.

Open subscriptions are now available for Academic Years 2005-06 and 2006-07. Visit www.iqat.org or contact Hezel Associates at 1-800-466-3512 or Melissa@hezel.com for further information.