WICHE Policy Insights: Quality Assurance in Distance Education

Quality Assurance in Distance Education *Introduction* Policy Insights is a series designed as a companion publication for WICHE's recently published fact book, Policy Indicators for Higher Education: WICHE States. Drawing on the indicators contained in the fact book and information from other sources, Policy Insights examines current issues in higher education from the perspective of policymakers at the state level and on the campus. Paper copies of any Policy Insights can be ordered electronically though the WICHE Publications Order Form . There is no charge for paper copies of Policy Insights. 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.
Background	Policy Options and Status of the States	Summary and Conclusion	Principles of Good Practice

Quality Assurance in Distance Education

Introduction

Policy Insights is a series designed as a companion publication for WICHE's recently published fact book, Policy Indicators for Higher Education: WICHE States. Drawing on the indicators contained in the fact book and information from other sources, Policy Insights examines current issues in higher education from the perspective of policymakers at the state level and on the campus. Paper copies of any Policy Insights can be ordered electronically though the WICHE Publications Order Form . There is no charge for paper copies of Policy Insights.

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.

Background

Policy Options and
Status of the States

Summary and
Conclusion

Principles
of Good Practice

The Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education -- WICHE -- promotes and facilitates resource sharing, collaboration, and cooperative planning among western states and their colleges and universities. This includes communicating research information and policy analysis on vital issues in higher education to education and government policymakers. Member and affiliated states are: Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming.