Benchmarking Quality in Online Learning Programs in Higher Education
Abstract: As the demands for public accountability increase for the higher education, institutions are seeking methods for continuous improvement in order to demonstrate quality within programs and processes, including those provided through online education. A six round Delphi study was undertaken with 43 seasoned administrators of online education programs who agreed upon 70 quality indicators that administrators should examine within their programs to evaluate quality. A method for scoring was also developed. The study resulted in a quality scorecard for the administration of online education programs. In 2014, another Scorecard review was undertaken to address current relevance. The Quality Scorecard for the Administration of Online Education Programs now has 75 quality indicators and is being used in the US, Mexico, and Latin America.