E-learning in Higher Education to Achieve SDG 4: Benefits and Challenges

Abstract

By the year 2030, the world countries have committed to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). According to the Incheon Declaration and SDG 4 – 2030 Framework for Action (2015), the Quality Education goal: SDG 4, is proposed to inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all. E-learning, as a flexible learning pathway, enables the inclusion of diverse learners and improves the concept of lifelong learning. Recently, e-learning is becoming a critical strategy that increases the access opportunities for all people to higher education. Several research studies have been done on the benefits of e-learning in higher education, while others have reported many challenges affecting its successful and effective utilization, mostly related to quality assurance. Having the reported benefits, e-learning can be considered as an opportunity to achieve the sustainability of education, given the current huge shift to digital education due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Nevertheless, higher education institutions need to ensure its effective utilization with proper quality assurance processes. A review of scientific papers has been conducted to serve the goal of this study paper. This study is of significance because it highlights the benefits and challenges of e-learning in the developing countries’ higher education as well as presents examples of e-learning quality assurance models developed and implemented internationally, as solutions to overcome the challenges, all in one place which gives a holistic view of the topic. Recommendations have been given to higher education institutions based on the collected results.