The mission of the Distance Education and Training Council (hereinafter referred to as the Council or DETC) is to promote, by means of standard-setting, evaluation, and consultation processes, the development and maintenance of high educational and ethical standards in education and training programs delivered through distance learning. The…

Prospective distance education students are faced with a bewildering number of choices in selecting an institution that is best suited to achieving their educational goals. They also face a confusing forest of institutions' promotional claims of being the best or most respected school. This primer is intended to help the prospective student of an…

This publication was developed to help students with transferring credits and degrees. Criteria for transferability are discussed, and procedures are suggested for navigating and monitoring the transfer process. Sample documents for an Information Packet are included. If an institution refuses to accept credits or degree, options for next steps…

This booklet is designed to help prospective students, counselors, public agencies, and institutions better understand distance education accreditation and how the accreditation procedures of the Distance Education and Training Council (DETC) Accrediting Commission work. It describes distance education and the accreditation process for distance…

In April 2007 the Distance Education and Training Council (DETC) surveyed 67 of its accredited institutions to determine current aspects of the distance study educational practice. (Military and international institutions were omitted.) This report is a collection and summary of the data received. This survey contained questions in the following…

Researchers define learning in many different ways, but all agree learning causes a permanent change in human behavior. The purpose of this DETC Occasional Paper is to illustrate how the principles of learning can facilitate the design of effective instruction. The authors first describe the principles of learning (contiguity, repetition,…

Curriculum is the educational blueprint for institutions. Without it, they would not exist. Curriculum is their product; it provides the concepts, skills, and motivation that students need to shape their futures. From book-driven curriculum to the highest, technologically driven curriculum, an institution's main goal is to ensure that students…

Part-time faculty, once a rare breed among teachers, are stepping into an increasingly critical role in higher education. Just as traditional colleges are relying on adjunct faculty to a degree unheard of just a decade ago, non-traditional programs are coming to rely on the flexibility, broader skills sets, and "real-world" knowledge that that…

In this paper, the authors discuss the issue of academic equivalence as it applies to international transfer of credit. They describe the history of the problem, list factors that encourage diversity and those that promote uniformity, and review and evaluate possible solutions, which may involve either turning over equivalence to outside certified…

A 2004 Distance Education Survey form was sent to all 73 DETC-accredited institutions. For the purpose of this survey, the DETC membership was divided into three categories: (1) High School; (2) Postsecondary; and (3) Degree Granting. Data from the three DETC military institutions are not included in this survey. Of the remaining 70…

Each year an estimated 5 million Americans pursue education or training through what is known as distance education. Distance education, which is also known as distance study, e-learning online education, correspondence study, home study, independent study, and other various terms, has existed in America for more than a century. Yet, few teachers,…

Distance education has flourished for more than 125 years in America and long before that in Europe. Since distance education?s beginning, well over 135 million men and women have studied by distance education. To recognize the achievements of the millions who study at a distance today, the Distance Education and Training Council conducts an…

The Distance Education and Training Council (DETC) a nonprofit, voluntary association of accredited distance study institutions, was founded in 1926 to promote sound educational standards and ethical business practices within the distance study field. The independent DETC Accrediting Commission is listed by the United States Department of…

This document contains the constitution and bylaws of the Distance Education and Training Council. The constitution and bylaws include 13 articles. Sections include: Name; Mission and Goals; Administration of the Council; Membership; Meetings; The Commission; Terms of Office; Officers; Committees; Compensation; Dues and Assessments; Miscellaneous…

Millions of Americans are currently enrolled in distance learning institutions. The flexible study schedules, independent learning, and self-paced courses are attracting more students than ever. Those interested in enrolling in a distance education school, probably have a lot of questions. Choosing the right school is an important decision, and…