Vol 3 No 1 (2009) Quality Assurance and Open and Distance Learning Implementation

Suci Mardiarti Isman - Universitas Terbuka

Abstract

Universitas Terbuka ( UT) is one of the mega universities with a student body well over 300 thousand students scattered all across the Indonesian archipelago. With the increase demand for quality open and distance Learning (ODL) by its students and stakeholders, UT needs to find a management system that will ensure the provision of quality learning services. Within the last six years, beginning in 2001, UT has started its quest in pursuing quality and continuous improvement. A comprehensive QA system was developed and a centre for Quality Assurance was established as proof of the strong commitment of all staff and management of UT. Systematic and step-by-step actions were put in place. from development of QA framework and manuals. socialization, internal and external assessment, and integration of QA programs into action plans. The efforts by UT in pursuing quality are evident in the accreditation and certifications it has received since 2005. UT has been awarded Quality Certification and  International Accreditation by the International Council for Open and Distance Education (ICDE) Standards Agency (ISA) since 2005. The UT has also been awarded  the ISO 9001:2000 Certificate by an internationally recognized ISO accreditation body in the quality management system of the distribution of learning materials to distance students in 2006, Learning and examination material development,  and the provision of learning services  in 6 Regional Offices.