Quality Assurance in Asian Open and Distance Learning: Policies and Implementation

Authors

  • Ojat Darojat Universitas Terbuka
  • Michelle Nilson Simon Fraser University
  • David Kaufman Simon Fraser University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.56059/jl4d.v2i2.105

Keywords:

quality assurance, open learning, distance learning, distance education, Southeast Asia

Abstract

Open universities have emerged as an innovative pillar in the expansion of access to higher education participation, with single-mode distance education providers broadening access in many countries through economies of scale supported by large enrolments. These models raise questions about the quality of education provided. This paper reports on a comparative case study of quality assurance (QA) programs in distance education at three open universities in Southeast Asia. Focusing on QA development and implementation in learner support services, the study explored QA policies, supporting management practices and structures, and the influence of internal and external environmental factors, as identified through thematic analysis of data from semi-structured interviews and policy documents. The results showed many similarities in QA for learner support at the three institutions. Their learner support services were determined to be responsive to government and external quality agencies, external cultural and language factors, and student feedback.

Editorial Note: Anak Bangsa Open University (ABOU) is a pseudonym used for another university, and there is no ABOU as such. All references are to actual documents and processes of the said university, but readers may not find the documents cited under ABOU in the references.

Author Biographies

Ojat Darojat, Universitas Terbuka

Director of Quality Assurance

Michelle Nilson, Simon Fraser University

Assistant Professor, Faculty of Education

David Kaufman, Simon Fraser University

Professor, Faculty of Education

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Published

2015-08-06

How to Cite

Darojat, O., Nilson, M., & Kaufman, D. (2015). Quality Assurance in Asian Open and Distance Learning: Policies and Implementation. Journal of Learning for Development, 2(2). https://doi.org/10.56059/jl4d.v2i2.105

Issue

Section

Research Articles
Received 2015-03-17
Accepted 2015-08-05
Published 2015-08-06