Ensuring quality in online higher education courses

Abstract

This report summarizes the current state of the field in terms of (1) what the research literature has to offer in terms of effective practices and (2) what UMass and other higher education institutions are doing to ensure online course quality. It begins by defining online education and outlining the major characteristics and issues facing this burgeoning field. This is followed by a more explicit focus on ways of ensuring quality in online programs. An extensive bibliography is also included