Quality Assurance

Abstract

Online education has continued to increase at a rapid rate over the past decades, offering diverse learning programs at all levels of education. As a result, online programs continue to shift and change according to the demands of society. However, the demands for qualified online instructors (OI) are not increasing at the same rate and are not proportional to the number of instructors directly responsible for delivering quality online courses. Many OI do not know their learners; therefore, a gap is left in terms of their needs in an online environment. This chapter will provide insights into how the strategy “module hosts” for online discussion boards, and learner profiles are used in an online graduate program to promote effective communication, leadership, and collaboration. Moreover, the chapter discusses varied ways through which online instructors can incorporate a “bottom-up” approach in their instruction as part of being a change agent.