ACCJC Policy page 67

Policy on Distance Learning, Including Electronically Mediated Learning

(Adopted June 2001, Edited August 2004, Revised June 2005)

Background

Recognizing that most institutions must make use of the growing range

of systems for delivery of instruction, including various electronic means,

the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC)

has adopted a policy based on principles of good practice to help assure that

distance learning is characterized by the same concerns for quality, integrity,

and effectiveness that apply to more traditional modes of instruction.

As methods used to facilitate/conduct distance learning evolve, the ACCJC

policies that address distance learning also change. This policy statement

has drawn from several previous policies and is intended to replace those

policies with a single, unified, and up-to-date statement. Further development

of this policy may well be appropriate in the not-so-distant future.

Definition of Distance Learning

Distance learning is defined, for the purposes of accreditation review, as a

formal interaction designed for learning in which the interaction principally

occurs when the student is separated by location from the instructor, resources

used to support learning, or other students. Distance learning may

employ correspondence study, audio, video, or computer technologies. Educational

interactions delivered through these means may occur on campus

as well as off campus. These interactions may be synchronous or asynchronous.

Policy

ACCJC policy specifies that all learning opportunities provided by our accredited

institutions have the same quality, accountability, and focus on

student outcomes, whether they are delivered electronically or by more

traditional means. The intent of the policy is to provide a framework that

allows institutions the flexibility to adapt their delivery modes to the emerging

needs of students and society while maintaining quality. Any institution

Policy on Distance Learning, Including Electronically Mediated Learning

offering courses and programs electronically is expected to meet the requirements

of accreditation in each of its courses and programs and at each of its sites.

Policy Elements

• Development, implementation, and evaluation of all courses and

programs, including those offered electronically, must take place

within the institution’s total educational mission.

• Institutions are expected to control development, implementation,

and evaluation of all courses and programs offered in their names,

including those offered electronically.

• Institutions are expected to have clearly defined and appropriate

student learning outcomes for all courses and programs, including

those delivered through electronic means.

• Institutions are expected to provide the resources and structure

needed to accomplish these outcomes.

• Institutions are expected to demonstrate that their students

achieve these outcomes through application of rigorous assessment.

• Institutions are expected to provide the ACCJC reasons to believe

that these outcomes will continue to be accomplished.

• Institutions are expected to give the ACCJC advance notice of

intent to initiate a new delivery mode, such as electronically-delivered

courses, through the Substantive Change process.

• Institutions are expected to give the ACCJC advance notice of

intent to offer a program in which 50% or more of the courses are

electronically-delivered, through the Substantive Change process.