Abstract:

This research study investigates the role of distance education in a substantial development in Pakistan, its strengths, weaknesses, and responsibilities of accreditation bodies working under the umbrella of HEC Pakistan in maintaining, or improving their standards of education to meet future challenges. For the purpose, the institutes offering distance education were explored and their selected curricula for different levels and procedures were analyzed through the opinions of the students, tutors, course coordinators, and heads. Mixed methods research strategy was adopted to achieve the desired results tailor-made questionnaires were used to collect data from the heads of the institutes, course supervisors, tutors and students getting education through distance learning programs. The findings show that the selected curricula by the institutes offering distance education are not up to the mark moreover their ways of assessment need improvement. On the bases of findings, it is recommended that distance education institutes need to improve their procedure to assure quality education. Further, it is recommended that the government of Pakistan should plan to promote better and quality distance education by establishing more distance education institutes.

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