On 24 Oct 99, at 22:59, HJRobles@aol.com wrote:
> Along these same lines, I'm taking exception to our statewide academic
> senate's insistence that distance learning be held to "a higher standard."
>
> Compared to what?
>
> They require a distance ed curriculum form that asks instructors to
> indicate what kind of interaction they will have with students (e.g.,
> e-mail, videoconferencing, etc.) and further, they want us to explain HOW
> exactly e-mail will be used, etc.
Harriet, I don't know the context, but this may be the start of something
positive. One reason one would hold to a "higher standard" (I don't know
what that means either), is for purposes of accreditation. Universities
aren't the final arbiters of quality in particular areas - boards of
accreditation are. So it may be that this is a step to ensure future
accreditation of the programs. And accreditation can be very important in
a number of fields for revenue, marketing, and program sustenance.
...and if you are into distance ed. that may mean a step closer to it
being seen as "as good as" traditional ed.
> As for our senate,
> their position, carried to its extreme, just makes no sense to me. Perhaps
> it is a case of growing pains. Harriett. --
If there concern is to make sure programs are accredited, then this a case
of trying to conform to the requirements set out by someone else.
...then again it could be plain old bias - academe doesn't accept new
modalities easily.
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