Online Learning Regulation and Distance Education Legal Framework
The format of online and distance learning is becoming increasingly relevant in Georgia, especially in higher and vocational education. However, unlike simple online training courses, accredited distance education is subject to strict state regulation. Georgian legislation defines specific criteria that an educational institution must meet to be authorized to issue state-recognized diplomas based on online learning. This includes technical equipment, learning management systems (LMS), and ensuring the transparency of student identification and examinations. Compliance is critical for educational institutions to maintain authorization and conduct legitimate educational activities.
This service is aimed at universities, colleges, vocational schools, and organizations planning to implement distance or hybrid study programs. Specialists on our platform will help you navigate the labyrinth of regulations and conduct the educational process legally.
What Does Online Learning Regulation Service Cover?
Legal support for online learning implies full compliance of the educational institution's activities with the requirements of the National Center for Educational Quality Enhancement. Lawyers on Legal.ge offer:
- Compliance with Authorization Standards: Consulting on requirements for obtaining the right to conduct distance learning, including material-technical base and human resource standards.
- Drafting Internal Legal Acts: Documenting rules regulating the distance learning process, student assessment methodology, and mechanisms for maintaining academic integrity.
- Modifying Contracts: Updating existing contracts with students and academic staff to reflect the specifics of online learning (e.g., remote work conditions, recording of online lectures).
- Data Protection in Education: Ensuring the legality of processing student and lecturer data when using online platforms (Zoom, Teams, Moodle).
- Recognition of International Programs: Structuring joint online programs with foreign universities legally and addressing qualification recognition issues.
Common Real-World Scenarios and Needs
In the process of implementing and managing online learning, institutions often face the following challenges:
- Authorization Issues: A university started implementing a fully online program without the appropriate permit, resulting in fines and suspension of student admissions by the Quality Enhancement Center.
- Diploma Recognition Issues: A student graduated from a distance program, but the state does not recognize the diploma because the learning process did not meet the legally required number of hours or interaction standards.
- Tuition Fee Disputes: Students demand a reduction in fees due to the shift to online mode, claiming the quality of service has deteriorated. The institution needs strong legal argumentation and contracts to resolve such disputes.
- Technical Failures During Exams: Due to a system glitch during an online exam, a student could not complete the test and is suing the university to annul the results or demand a retake.
Georgian Legal Framework
The main sources of online learning regulation are the Law of Georgia on Higher Education and the Law on Vocational Education. These acts define the admissibility and basic principles of distance learning. Crucially important are the Orders of the Minister of Education and Science of Georgia, which approve the rules and conditions for distance learning. These by-laws detail which programs can be conducted remotely and what technical standards the e-learning system must meet.
Also relevant is the Law of Georgia on Educational Quality Enhancement, which establishes authorization and accreditation mechanisms. Regarding data protection, the Law on Personal Data Protection applies, regulating video-audio recording and the processing of students' personal information in a digital environment.
Service Process
The legal assistance process for regulating online learning includes:
- Analysis of the Learning Process: The lawyer reviews the existing or planned learning model and checks its compliance with ministerial orders.
- Drafting Internal Regulations: Documents regulating online attendance, academic performance, and examination rules are created.
- Authorization Support: The lawyer assists the institution in preparing documentation for submission to the National Center for Educational Quality Enhancement.
- Staff Training: Informing the administration about legal risks and data protection obligations.
- Dispute Management: Protecting interests in case of disputes with students or the regulator.
Why Choose a Specialist on Legal.ge?
Education law is a specific field requiring not only general legal knowledge but also a deep understanding of education system regulations. Specialists represented on Legal.ge possess experience in authorization and accreditation processes for educational institutions. They will help you create an online learning environment that is legal, high-quality, and sustainable in the face of any audit.
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