Evaluating a Distance Education Program

Abstract

In higher education, distance learning initiatives are very linked to the overall institution’s educational mission. For such an initiative to succeed, a carefully designed distance education evaluation plan is necessary. This chapter describes key distance education program evaluation variables, using the Temple University’s OnLine Learning Program as an example. In addition to describing the purpose of conducting a distance program evaluation and illustrating evaluation methods, the results from surveys and focus groups regarding students’ satisfaction with their distance learning experiences are shared. We consider that a good distance education program evaluation plan should also impact the institution’s general education policies and procedures.