Presenter: Prof. Dr. Jagannath Patil

Introduction:     

      Entire humanity and all aspects of life have been undergoing unprecedented challenges setting new normal during each passing day during covid19 pandemic crisis. Education, quality assurance and networking are not immune to these disruptions. The pandemic abruptly disrupted implementation towards many of the Sustainable Development Goals [SDGs] and, in some cases, turned back decades of progress. Education systems worldwide have been hit hard and abruptly by the pandemic. Disrupted education is adversely affecting learning outcomes and social and behavioural development of children and youth. 

       Several alternative strategies are being explored to counter barriers and bring the situation back on track. Digital and virtual activities are replacing face to face ones where possible. This, however, has brought in front of new challenges of inequalities among digital haves and have-nots. In this topic we will discuss some possible strategies to get the things going embracing realities of new normal.  

Key questions to reflect on the topic:

The critical challenge in facing Quality assurance community include :

1.  How to address quality issues amidst barriers like inequalities?; 

2. How to ensure internationalisation with the flow of ideas and trust in the times of closed borders?

We can reflect on some strategies such as:

o Digitalization of quality assurance using data-based assessment frameworks [ Eg. Revised Quality Assurance framework by NAAC’, India]

o Reduction or dispensing of site visits and face to face interactions

o Exploration of new technologies like Block-chain and Artificial intelligence 

Additional material (i.e. reading list or links to useful websites):

https://en.unesco.org/gem-report/report/2020/inclusion

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OE_EKGQcXA