"Drawing on the knowledge and experience of leading managers, practitioners and researchers, research and case studies, this book provides a unique and comprehensive analysis of Quality Assurance (QA) concepts, approaches, models, issues, practices and research in ODL and ICT worldwide. The book is global in scope and covers both the developed and developing world. It considers the theory, research and practice of policy-making and implementation in QA and accreditation, and also the institutional and cultural acceptability of QA as well as the areas regarded as problematic. With the growth of cross-border education, institutions must provide evidence of the quality of their courses, teaching, learning and management systems for national and international accreditation. This exposes them to rigorous external review and requires their conformity with national and international regulatory environments and benchmarks. It also increases their awareness of, and responsiveness to, national and global quality standards. This edited collection provides policy-makers, ODL researchers, and Higher Education administrators with an invaluable resource on QA and accreditation models and policies from around the World"-- Provided by publisher.
"Quality assurance (QA) in online and distance learning (ODL) is a contentious issue. Some argue that the same standards from face-to-face education should apply, while others say that ODL demands its own specific guidelines and standards. Some providersmay look upon QA as an imposition of corporatization and bureaucracy, while others see it as a means of establishing a culture of quality. With the growth of cross-border education, institutions must provide evidence of the worth of their services in order to be accredited. This exposes them to rigorous external review and requires conformity with national and international regulatory environments and benchmarks. Until now, however, there has been a lack of research-based literature to guide those looking to better understand the implementation of QA in ODL. Quality Assurance and Accreditation in Distance Education and E-learning explains what is involved in QA and accreditation in education in open, distance, dual-mode, and conventional universities in both the developed and the developing world. The book is edited and authored by experts with extensive international experience in ODL, e-learning, and QA who give careful consideration to the possibilities and challenges involved. Providing unique analysis of the concepts, approaches, models, issues, practices, theory and research, this book is an invaluable guide for all policy-makers, managers, practitioners, and researchers in the field"-- Provided by publisher.
Quality assurance (QA) in open and distance learning (ODL) can be a contentious issue. Some argue that it should be judged by the same criteria and methods as face-to-face education, while others claim that it is so different in its organization, enrolments and operations that conventional QA mechanisms cannot apply. Some advocate the use of specific guidelines and standards for e-learning; others believe that, regardless of the technology, the basic principles of quality teaching and learning should apply. Providers who have enjoyed freedom from external scrutiny may resist attempts at external regulation and auditing and look upon QA as yet another imposition of corporatization and bureaucracy on education. Others see it as a means of establishing a culture of quality, self-reflection and self-improvement.
There is little research-based literature to guide policy-makers, managers and practitioners in applying QA in education and training to ensure the right balance is found between accountability and autonomy, as well as assuring quality for the time and costs involved. In this respect, Quality Assurance and Accreditation in Distance Education and e-Learning is a book that is long overdue. It explains what is involved in QA and accreditation in education. It describes and analyzes applications of these practices in open, distance, dual-mode and conventional universities throughout Europe, North America, Africa, and the Asia-Pacific, looking at open schooling, e-learning in conventional schools, non-formal adult and community education, and corporate and small-to-medium enterprises.
Quality Assurance and Accreditation in Distance Education and e-Learning is edited and authored by experts with extensive international experience in ODL, e-learning and QA who give careful consideration to the possibilities and challenges involved. The book will be an invaluable guide for all policy-makers, managers, practitioners and researchers in the field.
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