Submit Your Self-Study & Undergo Peer Review: Your Pathway to Recognized Excellence in Digital Education

Once your institution has been granted Candidate Status with the International Accreditation Council for Digital Education (IACDE), you enter a transformative stage that brings you closer to earning a globally respected accreditation. This next step—submitting your self-study and participating in the virtual peer review—is not just an evaluation; it is a powerful opportunity for growth, recognition, and institutional advancement.

Why the Self-Study Matters

The self-study is a comprehensive, evidence-based document that showcases how your organization meets IACDE’s rigorous quality standards for digital education. More than a checklist, it is a chance for your institution to:

1. Reflect on its mission, goals, and strategic direction
2. Examine the strength of its curriculum and teaching methods
3. Evaluate faculty qualifications and professional development
4. Demonstrate the effectiveness of student services and support
5. Highlight governance structures and institutional accountability
6. Present measurable student outcomes and continuous improvement processes

This process empowers your institution to identify strengths, uncover opportunities, and reinforce a culture of quality.

A Fully Virtual Peer Review—Efficient, Supportive, and Comprehensive

After your self-study is submitted, IACDE conducts a fully virtual peer review led by qualified evaluators with deep expertise in digital education. This review includes:

1. A detailed examination of your submitted evidence
2. Interviews with leadership, faculty, staff, and students
3. Evaluation of learning technologies, platforms, and digital ecosystems
4. Review of policies, procedures, and academic integrity safeguards
5. Assessment of institutional capacity and effectiveness

The virtual format ensures that institutions anywhere in the world can participate without the burden of travel costs or logistical challenges—making the process efficient, inclusive, and accessible.

Why Organizations Should Apply

Completing the self-study and peer review positions your institution to:

1. Strengthen institutional credibility and stakeholder trust
2. Demonstrate compliance with international digital education standards
3. Attract students, faculty, and partnerships globally
4. Enhance competitiveness in a rapidly evolving digital learning landscape
5. Build a robust framework for continuous quality improvement

For institutions seeking to shine in the digital education arena, this is a strategic investment with long-term impact.

Take the Next Step Toward Accreditation Excellence

If your organization is committed to delivering high-quality digital education, the journey begins with becoming a Candidate for IACDE Accreditation.

👉 Apply for accreditation here

References

European Commission. (2022). Digital Education Action Plan (2021–2027). Retrieved from https://education.ec.europa.eu/focus-topics/digital-education/action-plan

OECD. (2022). Unlocking High-Quality Teaching. Retrieved from https://www.oecd.org/en/publications/unlocking-high-quality-teaching_f5b82176-en.html

EDUCAUSE. (n.d.). Online Learning. Retrieved from https://library.educause.edu/topics/teaching-and-learning/online-learning

Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). (1998). Assuring Quality in Distance Learning. Retrieved from https://www.chea.org/sites/default/files/other-content/HED_Apr1998.pdf