WEC now certifies online courses

WEC now certifies online courses

Officials at the World Education Council (WEC) have announced that the non-profit organization, which provides a control point for course standards and content, now certifies online education courses that meet specific criteria for quality and value.

The WEC awards the Seal of Excellence to online courses that pass independent, objective evaluations based on transparent standards.

"Online education is a rapidly growing field, and it can be a powerful tool for spreading the benefits of education," said Laura Lewis, president of WEC. "The WEC seal will become the globally recognized benchmark for quality and integrity in online education."

Richard Hodges, founder of GreenIT, an advising firm in sustainable information and communications technology, added that it is important to have independent research in the education sector that is not tied to commercial interests.

Today, nearly 4 million students are taking online courses and earning online college degrees. At the secondary school level, more than 700,000 high school students are taking one or more courses online and nearly 40 states have established state-led virtual schools.

By Mark Danson