OTCAC’s accreditation process demands peer review. The assumption is that objectivity requires multiple independent minds free from potential biases such as ‘groupthink’. According to OTCAC beliefs, quality in distance education is best met through a structured process that allows trained volunteers, who have a background in education and/or the specific subject-area of the course seeking accreditation, to make assessments regarding the initial review process. After the initial review in-depth review process, committee reports are shared with volunteer reviewers for peer review. They are asked to check the objectivity of the report and cross-check it with available information about the course being accredited. This ensures an objective process.

OTCAC usually requires volunteers to complete an online ‘volunteer reviewer training tutorial’ before serving as a peer review monitor. Generally, this is in the form of a formal checklist and questionnaire followed by either a formal video call to check through a list of OTCAC objectives, terminology, and processes required of the reviewer or a video tutorial with accompanying knowledge and understanding questions. Further details of the tutorial are made available to prospective reviewers after the initial hiring process. There is no cost to complete this tutorial but it is merit-based and success of an application is not guaranteed.

To inquire about OTCAC’s open volunteer reviewer positions or paid consultancy vacancies, please contact us.