The U.S. Department of Education has released its final rule on distance learning, which it said would modernize regulations. The rule will not go into effect until July 1, 2021. The product of months of negotiations by a panel of experts, the final rule would among other things allow more flexibility to “emphasize demonstration of learning rather than seat time when measuring student outcomes,” the fact sheet said. For instance, the rule allows for more asynchronous online delivery of courses, or portions of courses, in traditional “clock-hour” hands-on programs. The biggest change is clarifying the term "regular and substantive" in the nation's main higher education law, said James Murphy, senior policy analyst with Education Reform Now. The new rule defines the interaction as meeting the standard if it satisfies at least two of five conditions.
https://www.insidehighered.com/quicktakes/2020/08/25/ed-dept-issues-final-distance-learning-rule
