U.S. Embassy in Qatar

When researching distance learning programs, there are key questions that you will want to ask of a program.  Dr Amy Kirle Lezberg, accreditation expert, gives some tips in her article below,  What To Know Before Enrolling in Distance Education ©.

What Program are you thinking of Enrolling in?

• Are there any residency requirements?
• What other institutions offer similar programs and do they grant the same credential for similar work?
• How does the variety of courses offered compare with similar on-site programs?
• How are course materials made available to students?
• What arrangements have been made for me to complete any required laboratory requirements?

Who Designs, Delivers and Monitors the Program?

• Who designs and delivers the program (and if they are different, how is the delivery controlled)?
• Where can the qualifications and current professional activity of the faculty be found in writing?
• What arrangements are made to ensure faculty-student and student-student interaction?

Other Expectations of the Institution and Available Student Services

• What academic, linguistic, and technical skills does the institution require for students enrolling in this program?
• What equipment must I have access to and how will the institution help me in any problems that arise concerning the interface between my equipment and their offerings?
• What counseling, career, financial aid, or other non-classroom services are provided for distance education students?
• Is there a student handbook for distance education students? If not, where are these issues addressed?
• What is the process for filing complaints?
• What is the institution’s refund policy if I should have to withdraw from this program?

Final Check on the Integrity of the Degree

• How can I assure outsiders that the degree represents an assessment of my work rather than that of someone else?
• Where is there official representation of faculty qualifications, the program’s course sequence and requirements, the nature of student/faculty interaction and assumptions about technical skills?