Quality Assurance in Online Learning in 4IR: New Directions and Pressing Challenges

Abstract

This study builds on how the Fourth Industrial Revolution or 4IR has revolutionized online education through its disruptive trends and the significance of quality assurance. 4IR has provided a platform for meaningful learning anchored on student outcomes, instructional design, assessment methodologies, technological infrastructure and the need for continuous improvement of online learning. It further discusses how 4IR technologies have reshaped how we conceptualize online education from learning opportunities, policies on education and instructional processes. These processes require constant quality assurance processes to be in place and have been contentious in the realm of online learning. In the midst of challenges such as cheating by students; plagiarism and student verification propelled by these technological advancements across education systems. This has pointed to innovative processes to be adopted to institutionalize quality assurance processes in online learning some of which are embedded in technology integration, student-centered approaches, robust assessment practices, encouraging collaboration and interaction and continuous professional development.