Section 8 in AICTE (Open and Distance Learning Education) Guidelines for Standalone Institutions, 2019
8. Quality Assurance.
- 8.1. A Standalone Institution offering programme(s) in ODL mode shall, take the following steps, namely: -8.1.1. Establish a Centre for Internal Quality Assurance exclusively for programmes in the ODL mode within one year from the coming into force of these guidelines;8.1.2. Follow the Quality Assurance Guidelines on learning materials in multiple media, human resources, curriculum and pedagogy, as specified by the AICTE in Annexure VI, and shall post its quality assurance mechanism on the website;8.1.3. Take adequate measures for training and capacity building of its teaching and administrative staff and counsellors at regular intervals;8.1.4. Shall ensure that the quality of programmes of study offered through ODL mode are maintained at par with standards in the conventional mode of class-room teaching as prescribed by the AICTE;8.1.5. Shall ensure that the academic and instructional facilities at its Learner Support Centres, and information resources for online delivery of programmes meet the Guidelines laid down by the AICTE from time to time, and are commensurate with the number of programmes and enrolments thereto.Provided that in case of violation of these Guidelines the provisions specified under Guideline 4.3 shall apply;8.2A Standalone Institution offering programme in Open and Distance Learning mode shall, in order to facilitate the pace of learning and multiple choice for learners, prepare a Self Learning Material taking into consideration the following, namely: -8.2.1. Self Learning Material has clearly stated objectives, intended learning outcomes, study guidance and advice for the learners to optimally use the material and suggestive related reference material to enhance the learning experience. In case of digital Self Learning Material linkage within the text with other media is maintained for easy referencing and progress;8.2.2. Self Learning Material developed and offered by it is self-explanatory, self-contained, illustrative, easily comprehensible, and in manageable modules such as units and blocks;8.2.3. Self Learning Material provides adequate mechanism for the learners to provide feedback on their understanding of the subject;8.2.4. Self Learning Material is revised periodically from the perspective of improving quality and learner support; and8.2.5. Guidelines on preparation of Self Learning Material as given in Annexure VII.Provided that a Standalone Institution shall prepare the Self Learning Material only after approval of the Programme Project Report (as mentioned in section 11.2.9 and explained in Annexure VIII):Provided further that no programme in ODL mode shall be launched by a Standalone Institution unless it has prepared the Self Learning Material taking into consideration the above factors.
