Introduction

These Standards are those agreed by ODL QC as necessary to ensure good quality in open or distance learning, whether it is carried out by correspondence courses, e-learning, blended learning, home study or work-based learning.

The Standards were first adopted in September 1999, and revised in 2000 (see Links).

New Standards, as set out here, are the result of a more extensive revision undertaken in 2005, and released in December 2005.    These came into force on 1st April 2006.

Click on Definitions (see Links) if you are unsure how some of the terms are used.

Sections

The Standards are subdivided into six sections

1. Outcomes
2. Resources
3. Support
4. Selling
5. Providers
6. Collaborative Provision

To download a Word version of the Standards, click here

Application

These standards apply across the whole range of ODL provision, though their implementation may differ from provision to provision.

Within each Standard, paragraphs in italics amplify how quality in the area covered by the standard should be interpreted;   whilst they are integral to the standard, they are illustrative rather than mandatory in character.

Further guidance on the interpretation of the standards is given in the Good Practice Guides

When applying for accreditation, a provider should address all the standards, and give evidence that the standard has been met.

Where a standard is not applicable, a statement of why it is not applicable should be included in the submission.

If that standard has not been met, a clear statement of the reasons should be given, and of how the provider intends to remedy this situation.

Some standards represent best practice, and failure to meet them may not necessarily debar a provider from accreditation but will highlight an area needing improvement for continuing accreditation.

Links