Quality Assurance in Blended Learning at Institutions in Privileged and Underprivileged Communities

Abstract

Blended learning enhances education and offers effective teaching and learning. Its success is well-documented, as well as the criticism regarding quality assurance in blended learning. Quality assurance (QA) is an invaluable aspect of teaching and learning and has a rightful position in higher education. QA strives to ensure a standard of teaching and learning which is relevant, effective, and resourceful, and it occurs within an established framework. Research suggests that the implementation of an effective QA framework is a complex matter, with great emphasis on context. Such a framework contains various elements which are often denoted by benchmarking. This chapter highlights the implementation of sustainable and effective policies at an institutional level as one such element. Meaningful collaboration between institutions will lead to greater success in the implementation of an effective QA framework. Institutions in underprivileged communities find this implementation challenging, but there are some encouraging examples of success and progress.