Online learning has permanently changed higher education thanks to technology.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, online learning was essential in helping students continue their education. Its value was on display as a useful tool for universities to meet learners where they were—no matter where learners were based—at scale, and provide a quality education. Online learning also tends to lower costs for students and offers access to a wider range of courses. Despite these benefits, there are challenges when delivering online learning, like quality concerns, but stakeholder collaboration can play a significant role in overcoming them.
Collaborating to improve higher education
Addressing challenges that exist in online learning—as the sector grows—will help bridge the gap between industry and education, and it starts with the design of online programs. Frequent stakeholder engagement is key to supporting universities as they grow their online programs sustainably and design online programs that reflect industry needs.
In 2020, the Abdulla Al Ghurair Foundation (AGF) launched the University Consortium for Quality Online Learning (UCQOL) in close collaboration with the UAE Ministry of Education, and nine leading universities. The Initiative aims at bridging the gap, engaging industry representatives along with students, universities, policymakers, and other actors to bring about system-wide change since online learning will continue to be an increasingly relevant part of higher education.
“The consortium is a unique initiative,” said Mr. Sultan Al Ghurair, an AGF Board Member, “an initiative where the UAE showed once again that barriers can be broken when a community of professionals and experts decide to join forces.”
Read this outcome paper from the Foundation’s Thought Leadership on the topic for an interesting perspective of the challenges, opportunities, key players and the way ahead for online education in the UAE and beyond.