Quality in Open and Distance Learning Institutes
Keywords:
Distance learning, e-learning, assessment tools in higher education, quality educationAbstract
In this paper Quality of education is the core of education system provided by any institute. Due to pedagogical differences, term quality is different for traditional and distance education providers. Quality education fulfills the learning needs of a learner; it is possible only when education provider is in a position to polish their student to such an extent that they can claim a brilliant output. Assessment procedures adopted by distance learning institutes are not compatible to their particular characteristic of teaching. Besides the differences, Higher education of Pakistan is using same standards to assess the quality of distance learning institutes as of traditional face to face teaching. There are certain standards that must be used to assess the quality of distance education. This descriptive paper will discuss those standards that are not compatible with distance learning institutes. It will also identify the gaps in standards that are to be filled to make a comprehensive model of quality standards in distance education. For example, the distant educators need to concentrate on techniques that can help learners to cope with pedagogical differences rather than to judge them on presentation and communication skills.
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