Quality in Distance Education: A Macro-analysis of Recent Trends and Issues

Abstract

This paper discusses the issues regarding quality in distance education. The aim of this paper includes locating the issues of quality in distance education in the wider context of education in general. It first examines its own interpretations of quality in distance education and tries to propose a framework for how we can conceptualize quality. Secondly, it examines some of the major approaches towards quality in distance education that currently form the consensus as fields of study in distance education. The paper highlights some of the particularities involved in quality issues and suggests areas for improvement in future research and practice regarding quality in the field.