Abstract

Abstract (Summary) This thesis is an in depth study of the published literature on quality control in distance education. This research examines and synthesizes the main and current themes of published scholarly thought in the area of structural arrangements and practices of quality control in post secondary distance education, in the Western tradition. It is shown that there is significant breadth and depth in the published literature that defines the terms "quality," and "distance education." As well, there is also significant published research dealing with issues of quality concerning the management and administration of distance educational institutions, and also with the quality of distance educational course design. Conversely, it has been determined that there is a significant deficiency in the breadth and depth of published literature regarding the quality of distance educational program design. This deficiency also applies to the literature concerned with the offering of quality technical, library, and support services in distance education, and with the offering of a quality distance educational experience to those of other cultures and of special populations.