District/School Administration PK-16 Program Support
Educational Technology

Massachusetts Recommended Criteria for Distance Learning Courses

November, 2003

Dear Educators and Other Interested Parties:

I am pleased to share with you this guide, Massachusetts Recommended Criteria for Distance Learning Courses , which offers guidance to school administrators, educators, students, and parents in selecting quality online courses that will meet their needs.

Distance learning courses are being developed at a rapid rate. High quality online courses can be of tremendous benefit to students, allowing them to take specialized courses that their school may not offer. For educators and those preparing to teach, distance learning courses offer a convenient option, allowing them to study at times that best fit their busy schedules.

The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education has received numerous requests for assistance in assessing online courses. While we cannot evaluate individual course offerings, we have developed this guide to help you identify quality courses for yourselves and your students.

Sincerely,

David P. Driscoll
Commissioner of Education