Accreditation

Accrediting agencies as well as other educational oversight groups have recognized the importance of measuring learner readiness for studying online. Several accrediting agencies require their member schools to document how they determine learner readiness and how they then provide the remediation and support necessary to help the learner succeed.

ACCSCT – Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges of Technology

"The school must establish admission requirements for distance education programs and courses of study that assess whether students have the skills, competencies, and access to technology necessary to succeed in a distance education environment prior to their enrollment in the program or course of study."

Source: http://www.accsct.org/_design/userFiles/files/StandardsofAccreditationandBylaws073007.pdf

SACS – Southern Association of Colleges and Schools

Best Practices for Electronically Offered Degree and Certificate Programs

  • "Assists the prospective student in understanding independent learning expectations as well as the nature and potential challenges of learning in the program’s technology based environment."
  • "Informs the prospective student concerning required access to technologies used in the program."
  • "Informs the prospective student concerning technical competence required of students in the program."
  • "Informs the prospective student of library and other learning services available to support learning and the skills necessary to access them."

Source: http://www.sacscoc.org/pdf/commadap.pdf

NACOL (North American Council for Online Learning)

Standards of Quality for Online Teaching

The NACOL Standards for Quality Online Teaching contain the following two standards:

  • "Employs ways to assess student readiness for course content and method of delivery"
  • "Employs ways for students to effectively evaluate and assess their own readiness for course content and method of delivery."

Source: http://www.nacol.org/nationalstandards/NACOL%20Standards%20Quality%20Online%20Teaching.pdf

NEA (National Education Association)

Policy on Distance Education

NEA has recognized the enormous potential of online learning -- as well as some of the potential pitfalls. In 2002, the Association adopted a comprehensive policy for online learning. Some key points include:

  • "Students who take distance education courses should receive the preparation and support necessary to enable them to function effectively in an online environment"

Source: http://www.nea.org