COL-CEMCA in collaboration with the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC), Bengaluru, and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Open University (BRAOU), conducted a two-day “Consultative Workshop for Directors of Online Education and CIQA/IQAC” at the BRAOU campus on May 27-28, 2026.

The workshop brought together experts, administrators, and academic leaders from across the country to deliberate on strengthening quality assurance mechanisms in online education. Discussions focused on curriculum design and development, digital content creation, teaching-learning processes, student support services, assessment methods, faculty development, technology platforms, continuous improvement strategies, leadership, and the evolving regulatory landscape in higher education.

Prof. Ghanta Chakrapani, Vice Chancellor, BRAOU, in the inaugural address, highlighted several digital initiatives undertaken by BRAOU, including the rapid development of a Learning Management System (LMS), establishment of a web-based television station, and launch of web radio services (HiBRO), promotion of e-books through open platforms, digitization of library services, and the development of micro-credential courses. These initiatives, he noted, are part of the University’s larger goal of emerging as a digital hub for ODL institutions. Prof. Chakrapani also underscored the importance of collaboration with COL-CEMCA for strengthening capacity building, digital learning practices, and institutional resilience.

Dr. B. Shadrach, Director, COL-CEMCA, in his address, highlighted the core focus areas of COL-CEMCA, which include policy advocacy, institutional capacity strengthening, promotion of learner engagement, and the advancement of technology-enabled education systems. He stressed that institutions must strive to maintain an effective balance between quantity, quality, and relevance in the emerging era of digital transformation and AI-driven education systems.

Prof. V.S. Prasad, Former Director, NAAC & Former VC, BRAOU attended as chief guest for the inaugural session of the workshop, emphasized that the primary responsibility for ensuring and sustaining quality in higher education must rest with the institutions themselves. Regulatory and accreditation bodies should therefore adopt a supportive and facilitative approach by providing flexible, context-sensitive, and non-prescriptive quality frameworks that encourage innovation and institutional growth rather than mere compliance. Prof Prasad highlighted the need to design Quality Assurance (QA) systems that promote continuous self-improvement, adaptability, reflective practices, and institutional autonomy.

Prof. Ganesan Kannabiran, Director, National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC), Bengaluru, in his address noted that NAAC is evolving beyond conventional accreditation processes, with an increasing emphasis on research, innovation, and institutional capacity building to strengthen quality assurance practices in higher education. He noted that the deliberations and expert interactions during the workshop are expected to contribute to the development of a comprehensive handbook and a series of online programmes as part of an eight-month project, in which the participating universities will serve as key partners and contributors.

Delegates also reviewed the primary components and parameters for institutional assessment and accreditation in online education systems. Around 56 delegates from different parts of the country participated in the workshop and shared best practices, challenges, and innovative approaches for improving the quality of higher education.