06-16-2011, 01:15 AM
They're from the government and they're here to help you.... if "you" happen to be a wealthy bricks & mortar university that doesn't offer DL classes.
Quote:Updated 06/07/2011 09:41 AM
Federal regulation could hinder online college courses
By: Chie Saito
Central Texas College has already started to get the ball rolling on complying with upcoming federal mandates that put tighter regulations on schools and universities with online classes.
For CTC student Sharon Blakly, taking classes online is the best option for her busy schedule.
"I work four days on, four days off, 12-hour shifts so it works better in my plan," she said. "I don't have to drive back and forth, saves gas. I can do it at home in my pajamas."
However, federal regulations may soon change the way Blakly, and even out of state students, take CTC courses online.
Under new federal regulations, an open enrollment school like Central Texas College will have to comply with requirements in 48 other states. So, if a student from California wanted to take a CTC course online, the college would have to meet California’s requirements for online learning as well.
"If you offer distance learning courses in any state other than your home state, you must be licensed in that state if it is a requirement," Dana Watson, CTC’S Deputy Chancellor Ed. Programs, said. "With our military student enrollment, it's not necessarily that we have students in all of the 50 states, but some students have that as their permanent address."
Even though the rules don't take effect until 2014, CTC is getting the process started early.
"That's every community college, higher education institution in the United States, trying to fulfill the same requirements so it's quite an undertaking," Watson said.
It’s estimated it can cost schools $1,000 to $10,000 in licensing fees per state. The high cost may potentially force schools like CTC to limit the amount of online courses it offers.
"In some states it might be cost prohibitive in this time of budget constraints to pursue the licensure," Watson said.
These state authorization rules were initially scheduled to take effect this year. However, the deadline was pushed back to 2014 following concerns from higher education associations and accrediting organizations.
All schools are required to start making a good faith effort to comply with the rules now.