VIRTUAL CENTER FOR DEVELOPMENT OF STANDARDS OF QUALITY FOR DISTANCE HIGHER EDUCATION IN LATIN AMERICA AND THE CARIBBEAN

This project  proposes to develop the base for a system of standards for quality distance higher education. It reviews the various  means researched for determining levels of agreement on appropriate criteria.  It seeks to elaborate on  what constitutes quality in distance higher education course offerings for Latin America and the Caribbean (Virtual Center).The unit of analysis is the  course. The principal goal of this project is to define categories (criteria and sub-criteria) related to the quality of an entire course production cycle and to carry out a preliminary pilot test for validation once a general consensus has been reached by the committee of expert consultants.

The  Virtual Center will foster widespread diffusion of the data collected on criteria for quality  throughout Latin America and the Caribbean. Higher Distance Education Institutions can use the center to self evaluate, improve, launch and better administrate programs.  A great number of Latin American and Caribbean Distance Programs can be efficiently and effectively  reached and involved. Governments  of participating nations may use the data for training and future evaluation and accreditation projects.  

A team of professional distance education leaders and technology specialists are elaborating tools to facilitate communication in a virtual environment. A database  designed for delivery of suggested definitions of terms, categories for standards, objectives, indicators, and the rationale for each will permit comparisons, modifications and analyses.