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JRCERT Update
Distance Education Standards
Laura Aaron, PhD, R.T.(R)(M)(QM), FASRT
3
istance education in higher learning has synchronous or asynchronous. Through synchronous
become increasingly common. In 2013, more delivery, students attend class meetings in real time,
than 6 million students were enrolled in at even if they are in different locations. With asynchro
Dleast one distance education course. The nous delivery, students can access materials at their
1
increase in distance education is evident in all types of own convenience. Course quality must be maintained
educational programs including those in the radiologic when integrating a distance education component
sciences. Most, if not all, radiologic sciences programs into any program. Standards for distance education
have integrated distance education into the curriculum are similar to those in a traditional educational set
and now use a variety of teaching strategies to provide ting. 3 JRCERT uses the same standards to evaluate a
instruction to students in face-to-face, online, and program's curriculum, regardless of whether its courses
hybrid courses. are delivered traditionally or if distance education is
The Joint Review Committee on Education in integrated into the curriculum.
Radiologic T e chnology (JRCERT) supports programs The JRCERT standards for accredited educational
in developing and using alternative learning approach programs are used to ensure the quality of educational
es.2 T o clarify its position,JRCERT defined distance programs in radiography, radiation therapy, magnetic
education as: resonance imaging, and medical dosimetry. JRCERT
identifies programs offering 4 or more radiologic sci
an educational process characterized by the
separation, in time or place, between instructor ence didactic courses in the professional curriculum via
and students. Distance education/delivery courses distance education as "distance education" programs.
are taught primarily (more than 50%) through Programs intending to offer 4 or more professional
the use ofTv; audio, or computer transmissions courses that meet the definition of distance education
(broadcast, closed-circuit, cable, microwave, satellite must submit notification of a substantive change to
transmissions); audio or computer conferencing; the JRCERT. The JRCERT Board of Directors must
video cassettes or disks; correspondence; and/or approve the change prior to its implementation.
a combination of face-tojace instruction with a Distance Education Standards
distance learning component (hybrid). 2
Distance education programs are expected to com
Distance education can be categorized in multiple ply with all standards just as traditional programs are.
ways. One category is mode of delivery, which can be Five of the 6 JR CERT standards can be applied to the
RADIOLOGIC TECHNOLOGY, September/October 2015, Volume 87, Number 1 103
Reprinted with permission from the American Society of Radiologic Technologists for educational purposes. ©2019. All rights reserved.