Arizona community college denied by accreditor to expand online offerings

Discussion in 'General Distance Learning Discussions' started by Bruce, Sep 18, 2017.

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  1. Bruce

    Bruce Moderator

  2. Anthony Pina

    Anthony Pina Active Member

    The problem of inconsistency of quality of online courses is an issue that can be addressed, to an extent, by training and a certain level of standardization. My observation is that it is just as much of an issue with on-campus courses, but the ability to record and monitor what occurs in the class is much more complete and easier to do in an online course. That has an influence on the "double standard" that exists between on-campus and online courses.

    It is possible to have minimum course design standards without a serious encroachment upon academic freedom. Sometimes an institution's own policies or contracts can hinder it from accomplishing what is best for its students. Years ago, I taught for Rio Salado College, which seems to have a much better handle on DL. I wonder what the interaction between Scottsdale and Rio is.
     
  3. Bruce

    Bruce Moderator

    Without a doubt, the best online teaching training I went through was for the University of Phoenix, which is ironic, considering the bad reputation they have (largely undeserved, IMO). In addition to the initial training, I also had to "shadow" an online class taught by an experienced faculty member, who then shadowed the first class where I was the lead instructor. There was also ongoing continuing training, some mandatory and whole boatload that was voluntary.
     

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