Quality Assurance in Distance Education.

Overview & Synopsis

This publication is one of a series designed as a companion to the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE)'s fact book, "Policy Indicators for Higher Education: WICHE States." The title article maintains that the growth of distance learning programs has heightened existing concerns about their quality. Institutions can ensure that the programs they deliver at a distance meet high academic standards. States can empower the education consumer by providing information on how to identify quality programming. Higher education governing boards can enforce quality standards in program review and provide institutions with financial incentives for developing quality programming. Accrediting bodies can establish assessment and evaluation standards directed at ensuring quality distance education programming. Finally, regional organizations can facilitate the sharing of quality instructional programming. The publication also contains a table summarizing the "Principles of Good Practice for Electronically Offered Degree and Certificate Programs." (DLS)