Guidelines set for higher education e-learning

TDT | Manama

Higher education institutions across the Kingdom must have a clear strategy towards e-learning and distance learning in the circumstances that require it. This was asserted yesterday by Higher Education Council (HEC) Evaluation and Accreditation assistant secretary-general Dr Muna Al Balushi, who laid out guidelines and standards for e-learning at higher institutions.

Amongst other guidelines, Dr Al Balushi said that these schools should engage the stakeholders in developing their plans and explain their goals to them.

She added that they must apply the e-learning systems using all available means to achieve the preset goals, and also keep the evidence supporting the academic and administrative activity and train all faculty members to use the available means.

Higher education institutions should also verify the efficiency of the information and communication technology infrastructure, and enhance its ability to meet the requirements of e-learning.

Dr Al Balushi indicated that these guidelines are in line with the institutional accreditation standards in force in the Kingdom, and to which private higher education institutions should be committed.

Dr Al Balushi added that most higher education schools in Bahrain have already taken the necessary procedures to use electronic education platforms to ensure the continuity of learning amidst the current situation. She said that it is in line with the directives of the HEC’s secretariat general.