A Distance Education Quality Standards Framework 

for South Africa

A Discussion Document Prepared for the Directorate of Distance Education, Media and Technological Services, Department of Education

December, 1996

Acknowledgements

Executive Summary

Introduction

Brief of the Project

The research Process

Conclusion

Setting the scene: the Current Situation

Introduction

Educational Policy Background

Legislation

Some Key Events and Developments

Student Opinion

Conclusion

International Perspectives on Quality Assurance: Lessons for South Africa

Current International  Trends in the Provision of Distance Education

Methods of Ensuring Credibility and Quality Control

International  Quality Guidelines for Distance Education

Lessons for South Africa

A Quality Standards Framework for South African Distance Education Provision

Introduction

Considering a Quality Standards Framework

Quality Standards for Distance Education

Implementing the Quality Standards: Possible Strategic Directions

Introduction

External Bodies Focusing on Assuring Quality

Legislative Consideration

Other Departmental Processes

Conclusion: Internal Quality Assurance Processes

Appendix A: Resource-Based Learning

Appendix B: An Overview of Current Distance Education Provision in South Africa

Appendix C: Report on the findings of a Student Questionnaire about the Provision of Distance Education in South Africa

Appendix D: The Student Questionnaire

Appendix E: Open Learning: A perspective from the White Paper

Appendix F: The reference Group and Planning

Bibliography