ISO/TC 232 - Education and learning services

This document is the source document for the terms and definitions of ISO/TC 232, Education and learning services. This document is intended to provide a reference for standards users and developers, as well as to facilitate communication and common understanding of the terms within the field of education and learning services and the scope of ISO/TC 232.

This document specifies requirements for distance learning services not specified in ISO 29993. It is applicable to any distance learning services that are addressed to learners themselves as well as to sponsors who are acquiring the services on behalf of the learners. In cases where the distance learning services are provided by an organization that delivers other methods of learning services, this document only applies to distance learning services.

This document specifies requirements for language-learning services. These include any language-learning services that are addressed to language learners themselves as well as to interested parties who are acquiring the services for the benefit of learners. The key features of any such service are that the goals of learning are defined and evaluated, and that it involves interaction with the learner. The instruction may be delivered face-to-face, be mediated by technology or be a blend of both. In cases where the language-learning services are provided by an organization that delivers products (goods and services) or other learning services in addition to language-learning services, this document only applies to language-learning services.

This document provides guidance on the planning, development, implementation and review of assessments of the outcomes [knowledge, competence, performance] of learning services. It is intended for use by organizations providing learning services and organizations selecting, using or developing assessments. This document is applicable to the development and use of assessments for the measurement of individual learners' outcomes and the use of assessments for determinations of learner progress. The document does not apply to the direct evaluation of programs of instruction or the evaluation of learning service providers. It also excludes the technology requirements for the delivery of assessments.

ISO 21001:2018 specifies requirements for a management system for educational organizations (EOMS) when such an organization: a) needs to demonstrate its ability to support the acquisition and development of competence through teaching, learning or research; b) aims to enhance satisfaction of learners, other beneficiaries and staff through the effective application of its EOMS, including processes for improvement of the system and assurance of conformity to the requirements of learners and other beneficiaries. All requirements of ISO 21001:2018 are generic and intended to be applicable to any organization that uses a curriculum to support the development of competence through teaching, learning or research, regardless of the type, size or method of delivery. ISO 21001:2018 can be applied to educational organizations within larger organizations whose core business is not education, such as professional training departments. ISO 21001:2018 does not apply to organizations that only produce or manufacture educational products.

ISO 29993:2017 specifies requirements for learning services outside formal education, including all types of life-long learning (e.g. vocational training and in-company training, either outsourced or in-house). These include any learning services provided by a learning service provider (LSP) that are addressed to learners themselves, as well as to sponsors who are acquiring the services on behalf of the learners. The key features of these kinds of services are that the goals of learning are defined and the services are evaluated, and that they involve interaction with the learner. The learning can be face-to-face, mediated by technology, or a blend of both. In cases where the learning service provider is part of an organization that delivers products (i.e. goods and services) in addition to learning services, ISO 29993:2017 only applies to learning services. ISO 29993:2017 is not aimed at schools, colleges and universities providing learning services as part of a formal education system, but it can be useful to them as a tool for reflection and self-evaluation.

ISO 29991:2014 specifies requirements for language learning services outside formal education. These include any language learning services that are addressed to language learners themselves, as well as to interested parties that are acquiring the services for the benefit of learners. The key features of any such service are that the goals of learning are defined and evaluated, and that it involves interaction with the learner. The instruction can be delivered face-to-face or mediated by technology, or it can be a blend of both. Entities interested in using ISO 29991:2014 will include language learning service providers of all kinds and sizes, as well as associations or consortia of language learning service providers. In cases where the language learning services are provided by an organization that delivers products (goods and services) or other learning services in addition to language learning services, ISO 29991:2014 only applies to language learning services. ISO 29991:2014 is not specifically aimed at schools, colleges and universities which provide language learning as part of a formal educational system but may be useful to them as a tool for reflection and self-evaluation.

ISO 29990:2010 specifies basic requirements for providers of learning services in non-formal education and training.