Ensuring Excellence: Quality Assurance Practices of Online Teaching and Learning at Higher Education Level in Pakistan

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to assess the current quality assurance mechanisms and practices for online teaching at the higher education level in Pakistan. The study was conducted on 214 higher education level private and public universities that have offered online education during COVID-19. The quantitative research approach was used to carry out this study. All the students from public and private universities were considered the population of the study. A multi-stage sampling technique was applied to select the sample from private and public universities in ICT and four provinces: Punjab, KPK, Sindh, and Baluchistan of Pakistan. The self-develop questionnaire based on a five-point Likert scale was administered to collect the data. Data were collected through multiple means such as personal visits to universities and online Google Forms. Descriptive data analysis techniques were used to analyze the data. Findings revealed that instructors facilitated learners to ensure the quality of teaching. Learners also reported that the instructors provided a detailed course overview and material to engage and facilitate the learners. However, expanding access to more diverse materials and ensuring compatibility across devices is needed.