COVID-19 and rapid digitalization of learning and teaching: quality assurance issues and solutions in a Sino-foreign higher education institution
Quality Assurance in Education
ISSN: 0968-4883
Article publication date: 13 September 2021
Issue publication date: 19 October 2021
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to report and analyze the lessons learnt from a case study of the implementation of the move from onsite to online learning at a Sino-Foreign higher education institution.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper reports a case study based on an analysis of three elements of the move to digital education during the COVID-19 pandemic. In suggesting three elements, it argues that the first and most immediate move away from onsite teaching should be thought of as emergency response teaching, and it is the lessons learnt from this vital and necessary stage that have informed the subsequent implementation of a more digitalization process.
Findings
The case study identifies the journey that the university is going through to deliver digitalized education, and how the pandemic hastened what had already been started. It illustrates how the pandemic has been useful in highlighting where we are, what decisions have been made and what still needs to be done with regard to readiness for the disruption likely by Industry 4.0.
Research limitations/implications
The study was conducted at one institution, which along with eight other similar institutions is unique within China. Findings, especially the processes of making decisions, while relevant to the wider discussion on digitalization and Industry 4.0, should also be considered in this light.
Practical implications
While the focus of the paper is on COVID-19 and Rapid Digitalization of Learning and Teaching, the main implication is that universities need to better prepare their teaching staff for digitalized education, especially if they are wanting to engage with disruption brought about by Industry 4.0.
Originality/value
The paper is based on a single university case study of a rather unique university within China. The discussion illustrates the need for flexibility and decisiveness in making key decisions on managing disruption, but with strategic direction in mind, illustrated in the study by COVID-19, but with future digitalization initiatives also to the fore.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The authors would like to extend their thanks to the editor and reviewers for suggestions which resulted in improvement in the quality of the paper. In addition, they would like to acknowledge the incredible efforts of staff and students during the recent pandemic in ensuring quality learning and teaching took place.
Citation
Perrin, S. and Wang, L. (2021), "COVID-19 and rapid digitalization of learning and teaching: quality assurance issues and solutions in a Sino-foreign higher education institution", Quality Assurance in Education, Vol. 29 No. 4, pp. 463-476. https://doi.org/10.1108/QAE-12-2020-0167
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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