Online Learning Consortium (OLC)
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The Online Learning Consortium™ (OLC) is a collaborative community of higher education leaders and innovators focused on advancing quality digital teaching and learning experiences. Founded in 1999, OLC has established itself as a leading resource for everything related to digital learning, supporting thousands of educators with expert guidance, professional development, and resources.
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Mission and Goals: OLC is dedicated to promoting quality in online education. Its mission revolves around advancing best practices in digital learning through research, professional development, and community engagement. The consortium's goals include:
Quality Focus: OLC emphasizes quality in all aspects of digital education, from institutional offerings to advisory services.
Five Dimensions of Quality Online Education:
- Learning Effectiveness: Ensuring that online learning is academically rigorous and effective in achieving learning outcomes.
- Faculty Satisfaction: Supporting instructors with professional development opportunities and recognition.
- Student Satisfaction: Providing students with a sense of belonging, support services, and valuable learning experiences.
- Scale: Sustaining high-quality education for a large number of learners without sacrificing standards.
- Access: Promoting inclusive practices and removing barriers to education for diverse learner populations.
Equitable and Sustainable Application of Quality: OLC promotes the application of quality standards that are equitable and sustainable, aligning with institutional missions and values.
Quality Framework: OLC's quality framework is based on the Five Dimensions of Quality Online Education. These dimensions are critical for institutions to assess and continuously improve their online and blended learning efforts. They ensure that educational experiences are inclusive, rigorous, and aligned with learners' needs and institutional goals.
Key Components
- Learning Effectiveness: Online, blended, and digital education models are designed to facilitate inclusive and academically rigorous experiences that engage learners and promote community.
- Faculty and Learner Satisfaction: Instructors are supported with professional development and opportunities to contribute to decision-making processes that affect them and their students. Learner satisfaction is measured through self-assessment, persistence metrics, and career placement records.
- Scale and Access: Institutions increase enrollment and retention while maintaining quality standards by balancing costs and resourcing. They provide access to a wide range of learners through inclusive practices and support services.
Evaluation and Measurement:
OLC evaluates the success of its framework through ongoing assessment and feedback from stakeholders. This includes analyzing enrollment data, learner feedback, and institutional practices to identify areas for improvement and ensure that quality standards are met.
Commitment to Equity and Innovation:
OLC is committed to addressing the needs of marginalized populations and removing barriers to education through inclusive practices and the use of universal design principles. It promotes an environment where all learners can thrive personally and professionally, contributing to a more equitable educational landscape.