Attestation of online programs in Qatar: The need for a policy

Abstract

This paper discusses the prefatory policy of online degrees' attestation in Qatar. This paper draws on the experiences of the authors as consultants and academics in higher education working in Qatar and the Arab World. The authors scoped the current discourse of "acceptable" online degrees in Qatar and perceptions of quality higher education programs through distance or e-learning. This study reports on three important frames of concern: Academic honesty, quality standards, and accreditation. Implications suggest that online programs should assure best practices to be accepted on par with face-to-face programs. There is a consensus that the online programs that have a face-to-face sister program offered by tier one universities and should be open to only mature students who have advanced regulated and self-learning strategies. The study concludes that new programs and online programs be used to facilitate professional development, and expansion of the higher education sector to serve the needs of human resources and capacity building in Qatar.