Share Paper: Acceptability of Online Degrees as a Means Of Evaluating the Effectiveness of Distance Education

  1. Jonathan Adams, The Florida State University, United States
Thursday, November 20 10:00-10:30 AM Capri 114

Abstract: This paper discusses the acceptability of online coursework as a new method for evaluating the effectiveness of distance learning. The results are based on the findings of five studies that have tested whether gatekeepers find online coursework and degrees equally acceptable as those earned in traditional-residential programs. The situations have included business hiring, faculty hiring, health hiring, graduate school and medical school applications. In each of the studies the acceptability of the online degrees was much lower. The present research includes suggestions for expanding the use of the acceptability studies as an evaluation strategy for online courses and degrees.