While I will talk about things regarding distance education at any school I will talk more about Ashford University than any other because I am a recent graduate.  While logging into Blackboard this morning to participate in my induction into Alpha Sigma Lambda I learned that Ashford has just received quite a cool industry award.   I have been told by students that attended other online schools that they wish that their school had an online program similar to the one I experienced while in school.  All I can say is the Blackboard and Ashford University rock!

Ashford University is the first university in the nation to receive recognition by Quality Matters™ for its institution-level implementation plan. The 3 ½ year plan includes a formal Quality Matters review of each Ashford online course through a stringent, standards-based peer review process centering on the quality of the course design.

Ashford University is committed to implementing the Quality Matters standards for the design of online courses, and is systematically building and evaluating its courses based on these rigorous, research-based standards. The Quality Matters standards ensure that the online components of these courses promote learner engagement and provide students with the tools and information they require to be successful learners. Further information regarding Quality Matters may be found at qualitymatters.org.