Open and distance learning quality assurance in Commonwealth universities

The issue of quality in open and distance learning (ODL) remains a major concern. Inadequate quality assurance (QA) measures, policies and systems render the credibility of ODL provision questionable. As quality is a matter of continuous relevance, the Commonwealth of Learning (COL) commissioned a study to investigate the state of QA in open higher education institutions in the Commonwealth. This report offers some key insights and findings on how QA is currently being practised in open universities in the Commonwealth, from the perspectives of policy makers, leaders and practitioners in open and distance education institutions. The lessons show that whilst the importance of QA is accepted as a strategic value by all, the standards of practice, criteria and measures differ considerably. There is also a growing concern over QA in new forms of teaching and learning, including e-learning, open educational resources and massive open online courses.

Edited excerpt from publisher's website. Show less