ACCREDITATION OF OPEN AND DISTANCE LEARNING: A Framework for Turkey

The purpose of this study is to develop a framework for the accreditation of higher
open and distance learning (ODL) programs in Turkey. The study was designed as a
sequential monomethod multistrand mixed model including two strands which
were both qualitative (QUAL→QUAL). In the first strand, both quantitative and
qualitative data were collected through a three-round Delphi study with an expert
panel consisting of 28 experts. In the second strand, qualitative data were collected
via focus group interview. Based on a comprehensive literature review and the
findings from the study, a framework was proposed including an initial
accreditation process for new ODL programs and a re-accreditation process for
ongoing programs. In addition, 35 criteria for new programs and 42 criteria for
ongoing programs were developed to be used in the accreditation process.