Questions to Ask About Quality

by AACSB International - The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
Source: http://www.petersons.com/distancelearning/articles.asp

This list of questions that potential students may want to pose to distance learning providers is reproduced with permission from Quality Issues in Distance Learning published in 1999 by AACSB International - The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business.

ACCREDITATION
Is the institution or program accredited by an established and respected accreditation body?
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
What are the age, experience, academic qualifications, GMAT (if required), skills, or knowledge prerequisites (technical/academic)?
What exemptions or course waivers are possible?
Are there any language prerequisites?
What is the registration process (on line/ in person)?
STRUCTURE AND DELIVERY
Is the program lock-step (fixed curriculum and set cohort with a prescribed course progression)?
Are there opportunities for electives?
Are there opportunities to exit and reenter the program?
ACADEMIC SUPPORT
Is the program designed and delivered by regular faculty members of the institution?
What is the availability of academic support services, such as counseling, advising, tutoring, and placement?
Is there some form of help-desk/help-line facility available to distance learners?
What access to library materials and databases is provided by the school?
Is all required software provided?
PERFORMANCE EXPECTATIONS
What performance expectations are placed upon students concerning deadlines for assessment, study time requirements, active participation, and face-to-face attendance?
INTERACTION
When, where, and how do student-to-student and student-to-faculty interactions occur?
What is the mix between face-to-face and electronic interaction?
COMPLETION RATE
What proportion of students complete the program
How long does it take to complete the program?
Is there a time limit to complete the program?
Why do students not complete the program?
TECHNICAL SUPPORT
What are the technical support resources available (initial/ongoing)?
What are hardware and software requirements for the program?
What prior technical competencies are needed?
PAYMENT POLICIES
What is included in the price (books, meals, accommodations, Internet access, travel)?
What is the expected payment schedule?
What is the school's policy for reimbursement of fees upon withdrawal?
What is the availability of financial aid/scholarships?
SCHOOL'S EXPERIENCE IN DISTANCE LEARNING
How much experience does the school have in offering distance learning programs?
How many students are studying in this program by distance learning?