Analysis of the TCU Standards and their Relevance to Quality Assurance in Open and Distance Learning

Abstract

Abstract This paper uses the systems model of open and distance learning to review the standards issued by the Tanzania Commission for Universities. Documentary review method is used to analyse and establish the scope and relevance of the standards and guidelines to the practice of open and distance learning. The paper reports that the standards and guidelines are reasonably fair and provide for all the key basic quality domains to be assured in an institution practising open and distance learning. However, there are some quality issues that could be institutional-specific that need attention, leading to the need of having in place institutional quality assurance policies on open and distance learning. The paper proposes a model for quality open and distance learning institutions.