A Systematic Review: Strategies to Assure the Quality of Online Instructional Practices at the Higher Education Level

Author(s) : Dr. Huma Kausar1, Dr. Fouzia Ajmal2* & Dr. Ekaterina Gavrishyk3

Abstract:

As online education has become more widespread at the higher education level, effective quality assurance strategies are essential to ensure the quality of online instructional practices. The focus of the current study was to explore the quality assurance strategies for online instruction in higher education through a comprehensive review of previously conducted studies. The qualitative systematic review method was employed by following the PRISMA guidelines to extract and analyze the previously conducted studies related to the quality indicators for online instruction. In line with PRISMA guidelines, fifty-three (53) studies related to the focused area of the current study were identified via searching various databases, including Google Scholar, Litmaps, Web of Science, ERIC, Science Direct, and Academia. Additionally, themes were generated after systematically reviewing the selected studies. The findings highlighted the key themes such as well-designed instructional resources, fully prepared instructors, creating a sense of online learning community among learners, motivated interaction between learners and instructors, effective implementation of advanced technological tools, incorporation of innovative assessment techniques, and continuous improvement plans for online courses. However, these significant insights can assist online education programs by directing the development and implementation of robust quality assurance frameworks to address the multidimensional aspects of online instruction.

Keywords: Online instructional practices, Quality assurance strategies, Higher education, PRISMA, Quality teaching.