Abstract:

Distance Learning is an educational modality often disvalued due to the lack of information about resources, methods and procedures used to organize and deploy programs. In many countries, there are no specific public policies that provide a comprehensive regulatory framework for Distance Learning institutions to operate neither a definition of a set of minimum requirements for programs to be offered.

The dramatic increase in Distance Learning, namely in online Distance Learning, raises the need for specific requirements to ensure adequate quality of institutions and programs.

In Mozambique, INED-Instituto Nacional de Ensino a Distância is the public agency responsible for regulating public and private Distance Learning activities at all levels of the National Educational System. Its specific authority includes the power to authorize the operation of institutions offering Distance Learning programs and the accreditation of programs.

This paper presents the Distance Learning Quality Reference Framework adopted by INED, that is based on a set of dimensions, indicators and quality levels. The paper discusses the main outcomes of its application since 2015 as the basis for the identification of some key aspects requiring further development in the near future.

Keywords:

Distance Learning, Public Policies, Quality Assurance.