Accreditation of Distance Education Programs: A Primer
Distance education within higher education has its share of challenges and considerations. The growth in distance education in the past 10 years is unprecedented, and somehow, the subsequent changes to the pedagogical model need to be considered. Irrespective of the various reasons for providing distance education, an institution should first address the single most important consideration, the provision of a quality educational experience. This article represents an overview of accreditation, the various types of accrediting associations (regional, national, specialized), and specific issues regarding how accreditation relates to the quality of distance education offerings.