Internet Learning Volume 1, Number 1, Fall 2012 | Page 68

Asynchronous Online Education Credit Hours by the Book

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laboratory, studio, practicum, and the like, one credit hour was defined as the represented
learning that would occur in a minimum of 45 learning hours per term. The text of the ruling also
indicated “credit hours at one institution will not necessarily equate credit hours at another
institution for a similar program” (Program Integrity Issues 2010). Further description elaborated
that the new flexibility provided minimal basics so that credit hours would be more equitable
between institutions. The ruling and the new credit hour definition were clarified more in a letter
from Ochoa (2011), U.S. Department of Education Assistant Secretary, Office of Postsecondary
Education. In the letter, Ochoa described the new credit hour definition as noninvasive and that it
removed the former credit hour’s “seat time.” Thus, institutions were permitted the freedom in
instruction as long as the learning outcomes and achievement were reasonably equal to the
learning of one instructional hour and two student study hours per week per credit. The new
credit hour definition did require assessment showing student achievement as related to learning
outcomes.
P11 discussed during the interview how the credit hour was based not only on time, but
also on “commonly accepted quantification of academic learning.” Another characteristic of
credit hours was how an institution’s credits had to be “consistent with institutional policies that
reflect generally accepted norms of equivalencies in higher education” (P11). This was similar to
documentation as institutions were obligated to assign “academic credits based on generally
accepted practices in degree-granting institutions of higher education” (Western Association of
Schools and Colleges Accrediting Commission for Senior Colleges and Universities 2010b, 7).
The commission provided peer reviewers the “Eligibility Review Panel Scoresheet” to use
during an institution’s review (Western Association of Schools and Colleges Accrediting
Commission for Senior Colleges and Universities 2010a). Reviewers would rate a school’s
ability in meeting various principles listed on the form. One of the criteria rated an institution’s
documents concerning assignment of credit hours included criteria that “represent good practice
in higher education” (p. 2). The Middle States Commission on Higher Education (2009a)
provided discussion about credit hours and related course work. Institutions were required to
ensure that “appropriate academic content, breadth, length, and rigor” (p. 4) were provided in all
courses and associated credit hour assignments.
Responsibility
The accreditation process found in American education is unique. Accrediting commissions and
the Department of Education (DOE) act as overseers to ensure that standards are maintained. It is
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