The Quality of Accreditation Standards for Distance Learning: Benchmarking and Expert Validation

The book investigates the quality of Saudi Arabia (KSA) accreditation standards for distance learning by applying the methodology of benchmarking to compare their quality to frequently cited quality models for online learning and to aspirational countries in the West (US, UK, and Australia) and to peer countries in Asia (South Korea, Malaysia, and Sri Lanka) and Arabic Region (Jordan and UAE). It also explores the differences and similarities in the regulations of distance learning accreditation between these 8 countries and KSA. The study also validates the standards in a survey design using experts’ rating. The findings revealed an overall quality of the KSA standards based on benchmarking and experts’ rating. The regulations and rules for accrediting distance learning in KSA are found to be strict in comparison to other countries. Therefore, the study also recommended policy makers in KSA to adopt some of the regulations and standards of distance learning accreditation available in some of the aspirational and peer countries. Other recommendations have been suggested to different stakeholders including higher education institutions, instructional designers and program directors

Assist prof at the Uni of Tabuk, SULTAN ALARIFI received his PhD in Instructional Technology, Wayne State University, MA in ICT in Education, Uni of Nottingham, and MSc in Educational Research, Uni of Exeter. His area of specialization is performance improvement and training and his professional interests include need assessment and evaluation.