How EdTech is Making it Easier for Institutions to Align Their Courses With The National Higher Education Qualifications Framework

What’s the NHEQ Framework All About?

Let's first delve into the objectives of the NHEQ Framework.

About a year ago, the University Grants Commission (UGC) of India unveiled the National Higher Education Qualifications Framework (NHEQF), an initiative stemming from the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. The commendable objective behind this framework is to establish a consistent basis for the recognition and accreditation of qualifications offered by diverse higher education institutions.

The primary aim of the framework is to standardize Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), ensuring a uniform benchmark to guarantee the provision of high-quality education across the board. The framework is designed to be flexible enough to foster adaptability and ingenuity in areas such as program design, syllabi development, the teaching-learning process, and the assessment of students' learning levels.

One noteworthy aspect of the NHEQF is its commitment to improving transparency and standardization across higher education qualifications at every tier This encompasses a spectrum of qualifications, spanning certificates, diplomas, bachelor's degrees, master's degrees, and PhDs. The framework meticulously selects a set of performance criteria to delineate qualifications.

Learning Outcomes Specified for Each Level?

The framework methodically lists various qualification types, each with several qualification levels, and the projected learning outcomes for each qualification type. Going the extra mile, the framework provides explicit learning level "descriptors" or parameters. These serve as benchmarks for assessing students at every level, encapsulating everything from generic learning outcomes to constitutional, ethical, and moral values, employment-ready skills, an entrepreneurial mindset, and the application of knowledge and skills, among other dimensions.

Aligning Your Courses with the Framework

In the pursuit of aligning your courses with the NHEQ Framework, EdTech emerges as a pivotal player. Leading-edge learning management systems, exemplified by platforms like Camu Digital Campus, present a suite of features that empower institutions to seamlessly incorporate contemporary educational approaches such as Outcome-Based Education (OBE), Choice Based Credit System (CBCS), and Competency-based Learning.

These sophisticated platforms provide functionalities that encompass the definition of course learning outcomes, monitoring of student progress towards these objectives, and the assessment of the successful attainment of outcomes. Leveraging these tools, we can align the course learning outcomes with the specified learning outcome descriptors as specified by the NHEQF thereby ensuring compliance with the framework. ?This approach fits well with the NHEQF's emphasis on learning outcomes.

Moreover, the CBCS module embedded in these platforms promotes flexibility in course selection, allowing students to pursue their educational paths according to their preferences and schedules, aligning with the vision outlined in the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.

Facilitating Skill Acquisition

The NEP 2020 mandates relevant agencies to pinpoint specific skills that students must acquire throughout their academic journeys, aiming to develop well-rounded learners equipped with 21st-century skills. In line with this directive, the NHEQF is designed to synchronize with the National Skills Qualifications Framework (NSQF), facilitating the integration of vocational education into higher education.

To address this, e-learning marketplaces such as the NSDC Academy, launched by the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) in strategic collaboration with Camu, play a crucial role. These platforms assist students not only in planning their entire learning trajectory but also in enhancing their skills by offering a diverse array of best-in-class skill development courses from various Indian and global knowledge partners—all accessible from a unified platform.

Leveraging EdTech for Quality Assurance

The Quality Assurance Mechanism embedded in the NHEQF establishes a resilient system that distinctly outlines the roles and responsibilities of not only the higher education institutions but also of regulators and external agencies. The framework formulates the processes and criteria to be used for evaluating and approving programs and qualifications, ensuring rigorous adherence to the established standards.

This quality assurance process closely mirrors the steps required for accreditation by esteemed agencies such as the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) and the National Board of Accreditation (NBA). In this context, EdTech tools, such as the 'Accreditations' module of Camu, prove to be highly effective in managing these processes seamlessly.? These tools empower institutions to align their operational processes with the parameters of quality assurance, providing clarity on the expected performance levels. Additionally, they enable institutions to articulate and share their goals with all stakeholders, ensuring consistency and transparency throughout the quality assurance journey.

?In conclusion, learning management systems like Camu Digital Campus and e-learning platforms such as the NSDC Academy emerge as pivotal players in aligning higher education courses with the NHEQF, ensuring the delivery of high-quality education. This not only aids institutions in maintaining compliance with the national framework but also ensures that learners are equipped with the requisite skills and qualifications, recognized nationally and in line with international standards.