Are there international standards for accrediting digital courses?

As of my last update in January 2022, there isn't a universally accepted set of international standards specifically tailored for accrediting digital courses. However, several organizations and initiatives have developed guidelines, frameworks, and best practices for quality assurance in online education, which accrediting bodies may use as a basis for accrediting digital courses. These standards aim to ensure the quality, integrity, and effectiveness of online learning experiences and may cover various aspects of digital course delivery, instructional design, student support, and assessment.

Some key organizations and initiatives involved in the development of standards for accrediting digital courses and online education include:

1. **Quality Matters (QM):** Quality Matters is a nonprofit organization that promotes quality assurance in online and blended learning. QM has developed a set of research-based standards known as the QM Higher Education Rubric, which provides guidelines for the design of effective online courses. The rubric covers various aspects of course design, including course overview and introduction, learning objectives, instructional materials, learner engagement, and accessibility.

2. **Online Learning Consortium (OLC):** The Online Learning Consortium is a membership organization that focuses on advancing quality online education. OLC has developed the OLC Quality Scorecard Suite, which includes a set of quality indicators and benchmarks for online course design, delivery, and support services. The scorecard covers areas such as course content, instructional design, assessment and evaluation, learner support, and accessibility.

3. **European Association of Distance Teaching Universities (EADTU):** EADTU is a network of open and distance education institutions in Europe. EADTU has been involved in initiatives such as the E-xcellence Quality Assurance in E-learning project, which developed a benchmarking instrument for quality assurance in online learning. The benchmarking instrument covers areas such as strategic management, curriculum design, course delivery, student support, and assessment.

4. **International Council for Open and Distance Education (ICDE):** ICDE is a global network of institutions and organizations involved in open, distance, flexible, and online education. ICDE has developed resources and guidelines for quality assurance in online and distance education, including the ICDE Quality Model for online, open, flexible, and technology-enhanced education. The quality model covers areas such as institutional support, course design, teaching and learning, student assessment, and quality management.

While these organizations and initiatives provide valuable resources and frameworks for quality assurance in online education, it's important to note that accreditation standards may vary across different accrediting bodies and jurisdictions. Accrediting bodies may adapt and contextualize these international standards to meet the specific needs, priorities, and regulatory requirements of their respective regions or educational systems.

As online education continues to evolve and expand globally, there may be increased efforts to develop and harmonize international standards for accrediting digital courses and online learning programs. Collaboration and dialogue among stakeholders, including accrediting bodies, educational institutions, policymakers, and quality assurance agencies, are essential to advancing quality assurance in online education and promoting the recognition and acceptance of accredited digital courses worldwide.