This book is edited and authored by experts with extensive international experience in ODL, e-learning, and QA who give careful consideration to the possibilities and challenges involved.

International Association for Statistical Computing The International Association for Statistical Computing (IASC) is a Section of the International Statistical Institute. The objectives of the Association are to foster world-wide interest in e?ective statistical computing and to - change technical knowledge through international contacts and meetings - tween statisticians, computing professionals, organizations, institutions, g- ernments and the general public. The IASC organises its own Conferences, IASC World Conferences, and COMPSTAT in Europe. The 17th Conference of ERS-IASC, the biennial meeting of European - gional Section of the IASC was held in Rome August 28 - September 1, 2006. This conference took place in Rome exactly 20 years after the 7th COMP- STAT symposium which was held in Rome, in 1986. Previous COMPSTAT conferences were held in: Vienna (Austria, 1974); West-Berlin (Germany, 1976); Leiden (The Netherlands, 1978); Edimbourgh (UK, 1980); Toulouse (France, 1982); Prague (Czechoslovakia, 1984); Rome (Italy, 1986); Copenhagen (Denmark, 1988); Dubrovnik (Yugoslavia, 1990); Neuchˆ atel (Switzerland, 1992); Vienna (Austria,1994); Barcelona (Spain, 1996);Bristol(UK,1998);Utrecht(TheNetherlands,2000);Berlin(Germany, 2002); Prague (Czech Republic, 2004).

Quality assurance (QA) in open and distance learning (ODL) can be a contentious issue. Some argue that it should be judged by the same criteria and methods as face-to-face education, while others claim that it is so different in its organization, enrolments and operations that conventional QA mechanisms cannot apply. Some advocate the use of specific guidelines and standards for e-learning; others believe that, regardless of the technology, the basic principles of quality teaching and learning should apply. Providers who have enjoyed freedom from external scrutiny may resist attempts at external regulation and auditing and look upon QA as yet another imposition of corporatization and bureaucracy on education. Others see it as a means of establishing a culture of quality, self-reflection and self-improvement. There is little research-based literature to guide policy-makers, managers and practitioners in applying QA in education and training to ensure the right balance is found between accountability and autonomy, as well as assuring quality for the time and costs involved. In this respect, Quality Assurance and Accreditation in Distance Education and e-Learning is a book that is long overdue. It explains what is involved in QA and accreditation in education. It describes and analyzes applications of these practices in open, distance, dual-mode and conventional universities throughout Europe, North America, Africa, and the Asia-Pacific, looking at open schooling, e-learning in conventional schools, non-formal adult and community education, and corporate and small-to-medium enterprises. Quality Assurance and Accreditation in Distance Education and e-Learning is edited and authored by experts with extensive international experience in ODL, e-learning and QA who give careful consideration to the possibilities and challenges involved. The book will be an invaluable guide for all policy-makers, managers, practitioners and researchers in the field.

Online distance education continues to grow at a fast pace, even outpacing the overall growth of U.S. higher education. Demands for quality are coming from all shareholders involved. As if caught by surprise, a patchwork response to quality is often the typical organizational response. The result can be inconsistent and uncoordinated levels of value to those invested in online learning. This often promotes negative images of the educational experience and institution.Comprised of highly regarded experts in the field, this edited volume provides a comprehensive overview of quality assurance, a snapshot of current practices and proven recommendations for raising standards of quality in online education.Topics discussed include:* Improving practices for teaching online* Using educational analytics for quality assurance and improvement* Accessibility: An important dimension of quality assurance* Assuring quality in online course design* Assuring quality in learner support, academic resources, advising and counseling* The role and realities of accreditationThis text clearly answers the call for addressing quality from a broad, deep and coordinated understanding. It addresses the complexities of quality assurance in higher education and offers professionals top-shelf advice and support. *This text is also appropriate for students enrolled in Educational Technology and Higher Education Administration Masters and PhD programs

This training manual serves as a valuable tool to enhance instructional redesign and curriculum development of face-to-face (F2F) courses, materials and platforms into e-learning and mobile learning for all universities and colleges in the continent of Africa. It is designed for aspiring e-learning and mobile learning course developers who are desirous of developing, implementing and sustaining e-learning and m-learning platforms to promote teaching, learning, service and community.

The delivery of quality education to students relies heavily on the actions of an institution’s administrative staff. Effective leadership strategies allow for the continued progress of modern educational initiatives. It is crucial to investigate how effective administrators lead their organizations in challenging and difficult times and promote the accomplishments of their organization. Research Anthology on Preparing School Administrators to Lead Quality Education Programs is a vital reference source that offers theoretical and pedagogical research concerning the management of educational systems on both the national and international scale. It also explores academic administration as well as administrative effectiveness in achieving organizational goals. Highlighting a range of topics such as strategic planning, human resources, and school culture, this multi-volume book is ideally designed for educators, administrators, principals, superintendents, board members, researchers, academicians, policymakers, and students.