Higher Education by Distance: Opportunities and Challenges at National and International Levels

Abstract

The purpose of this report is to identify how higher education by distance is currently evolving and to recommend directions for policy makers and practitioners interested in distance education development. In its essentials, the report investigates data collected by the International Association of Universities (WHED 2007) to map and interpret the global landscape concerning higher education by distance. Drawing on this information, an attempt is made to define current key concepts related to distance education delivery and to identify specific trends in quality assurance that seem particularly relevant to the current conditions.In addition, the report presents a case study analysis undertaken between 2006-07 to investigate types of distance higher education delivery within the territorial jurisdictions of Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the United States. Specifically, this analysis helps to identify and address educational policies at various levels that illustrate differences in policy and practice.Among other conclusions, the author finds that distance education has undergone a major transformation in recent years and continues to be plagued with ambiguity in terminology, direction, scope, and scale.