Distance Education Associations

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As access to distance learning continues to expand, so do the expectations for educational quality. For distance education institutions to consistently support student achievement, they must demonstrate a commitment to continuous institutional improvement and self-assessment. However, enhanced performance does not happen automatically. Distance education associations and professional organizations play a crucial role in supporting institutional performance through processes, frameworks, and feedback systems aligned with the institution's goals.

GEQC collaborates with various international organizations and associations dedicated to advancing quality in higher education and distance learning to ensure the highest standards are met:

• Association for the Advancement of Computing in Education (AACE): An international organization focused on improving the theory, knowledge, and quality of learning at all levels through information technology.

• Competency-Based Education Network (C-BEN): A consortium dedicated to designing, developing, and scaling new models for student learning.

• Educause: A nonprofit association that advances higher education by promoting the intelligent use of technology.

• European Association for Distance Learning (EADL): A membership organization of institutions active in providing distance education across Europe.

• International Council for Open and Distance Education (ICDE): A global organization dedicated to open learning, distance education, and flexible, lifelong learning.

• National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA): Establishes comparable national standards for offering distance education courses and programs across states and territories.

• The Presidents Forum: A collaboration of accredited, national institutions dedicated to advancing online education and recognizing innovative practices.

• United States Distance Learning Association (USDLA): Promotes the development and application of distance learning for education and training.

• WICHE Cooperative for Educational Technologies (WCET): A cooperative dedicated to advancing access and excellence in higher education through innovative technology use.

These collaborations ensure that GEQC-certified institutions not only meet quality standards but also adopt innovative practices to continually enhance distance learning.