What is quality in terms of education? Dependent upon learner’s experience Construct is relative to unique perspectives of different groups (students, alumni, faculty, administrator, parents, etc.)

Quality Fads 20 th Century Quality Models: Total Quality Management (TQM) & Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) While no longer applicable in today’s educational standards due to “corporate flavor,” still referenced in higher education and learning networks

Paradigm Shift in Higher Education Capabilities have overturned traditional roles of higher learning institutions: Research Source/Knowledge Creator Archivist/Gateway to Knowledge Disseminator of advanced knowledge Referee/Evaluator of Truth PROBLEM!!!! Traditional criteria for accreditation does not online with Net Age of Education

Credibility of Online Learning Academic leaders often challenge the legitimacy of the online learning environment Employers are doubtful of qualification of students possessing degrees from online programs Faculty believe lack of social interaction in Net-based courses has an overall negative impact (instructor- student, student-student)

Standards for Net-based Learning Best Practices for Electronically Offered Degree and Certificate Programs Developed by Western Cooperative for Educational Telecommunications: ( 5 Key Sections ) Instructional Context & Commitment Curriculum and Instruction Faculty Support Student Support Evaluation and Assessment

Buyer’s Beware Parker recommends research of curriculum and technology needs when selecting online programs/institutions Learners should identify what is desired from course or program Knowledge Degree Technical Skills

A Worldwide System of Learning All jurisdictions of online learning quality standards required internal and external review Some standards are more in-depth and complicated than others All are learner-centered; comprehension of course material is responsibility of learner Instructors are to be knowledgeable of curriculum as well as the technologies used to enhance online learning

Conclusion Online Learning is a form of education that the world is still being embraced by mainstream educational leaders and academies. New set of standards across different jurisdictions helps overall credibility of this new system of learning and helps emphasize the instructors’ and learners’ responsibilities. Future and current online students should research all courses, programs, and institutions and identify what is desired when engaging in online learning.