Quality Indicators for Distance Learning: A Literature Review in Learners' Perceptions of Quality

• Published in: International journal on e-learning Vol. 18; no. 1; pp. 103 - 124
• Main Authors: Valai, Asimoula, Schmidt-Crawford, Denise A, Moore, Kenneth J
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Association for the Advancement of Computing in Education 01-01-2019
• Subjects: Academic Support Services; Curriculum Design; Distance Education; Educational Indicators; Educational Quality; Electronic Learning; Instructional Design; Peer Relationship; Student Characteristics; Student Personnel Services; Teacher Student Relationship; Technology Uses in Education
• ISSN: 1537-2456

This article identifies the quality themes of distance learning that arose from the learners' perspective as reflected in the literature. The paper reviews literature through the four themes of 1) Course design, 2) Interaction, 3) Learner support and 4) Technology Use. Key quality indicators in distance learning that appear repeatedly in research on students' point of view are also examined. It is argued that distance learning quality standards must first be focused on the students' perspective in order to develop comprehensive and efficient standards for evaluating distance learning. This review serves as a starting point for distance learning providers specifically and accreditation organizations generally to better inform current quality practices regarding distance learning environments in higher education.