3333.82 Chancellor to establish clearinghouse of computer-based courses. - Ohio Statutes

3333.82 Chancellor to establish clearinghouse of computer-based courses.

(A) The chancellor of the Ohio board of regents shall establish a clearinghouse of interactive distance learning courses and other distance learning courses delivered via a computer-based method offered by school districts, community schools, STEM schools, state institutions of higher education, private colleges and universities, and other nonprofit and for-profit course providers for sharing with other school districts , community schools, STEM schools, state institutions of higher education, private colleges and universities, and individuals for the fee set pursuant to section 3333.84 of the Revised Code. The chancellor shall not be responsible for the content of courses offered through the clearinghouse; however, all such courses shall be delivered only in accordance with technical specifications approved by the chancellor and on a common statewide platform administered by the chancellor.

(B) To offer a course through the clearinghouse, a course provider shall apply to the chancellor in a form and manner prescribed by the chancellor. The application for each course shall describe the course of study in as much detail as required by the chancellor, whether an instructor is provided, the qualification and credentials of the instructor, the number of hours of instruction, and any other information required by the chancellor. The chancellor may require course providers to include in their applications information recommended by the state board of education under former section 3353.30 of the Revised Code.

(C) The chancellor shall review the technical specifications of each application submitted under division (B) of this section . In reviewing applications, the chancellor may consult with the department of education; however, the responsibility to either approve or not approve a course for the clearinghouse belongs to the chancellor. The chancellor may request additional information from a course provider that submits an application under division (B) of this section, if the chancellor determines that such information is necessary. The chancellor may negotiate changes in the proposal to offer a course, if the chancellor determines that changes are necessary in order to approve the course.

(D) The chancellor shall catalog each course approved for the clearinghouse, through a print or electronic medium, displaying the following:

(1) Information necessary for a student and the student’s parent, guardian, or custodian and the student’s school district , community school, STEM school, college, or university to decide whether to enroll in or subscribe to the course;

(2) Instructions for enrolling in that course, including deadlines for enrollment.

(E) Any expenses related to the installation of a course into the common statewide platform shall be borne by the course provider.

(F) The chancellor may contract with an entity to perform any or all of the chancellor’s duties under sections 3333.81 to 3333.88 of the Revised Code.

Effective Date: 2008 HB562 09-22-2008