The International Association for Quality Assurance in Pre-Tertiary and Higher Education (QAHE) has proudly announced the appointment of Dr. Rebecca Wambua as an Honorary Fellow. This prestigious recognition highlights Dr. Wambua’s significant contributions to the fields of distance, open, and e-learning, particularly within the East African region. Her extensive experience and leadership in the academic community make her a valuable addition to QAHE’s esteemed group of Honorary Fellows.
Dr. Wambua currently serves as the Chairperson of the Distance, Open and e-Learning Practitioners’ Association of East Africa (DOLPA-EA) International Multidisciplinary Conference Committee. With over 32 years of experience in the education sector, including 17 years at the acclaimed Riara Group of Schools and 15 years in various universities, she has been instrumental in advancing innovative educational methodologies. Her efforts have not only improved learning outcomes but have also set new standards in the delivery of education across diverse platforms.
In her capacity as a Commonwealth of Learning Consultant, Dr. Wambua has provided training to several institutions, including Maasai Mara University and the University of Eastern Africa, Baraton. Her focus on critical areas such as open and distance e-learning (ODeL) policy development and online pedagogy has equipped educators with the tools necessary to adapt to the evolving educational landscape. Dr. Wambua’s contributions in this area are particularly noteworthy, as they align with QAHE’s mission to promote quality education through rigorous standards and best practices.
Dr. Wambua is an active participant in numerous academic conferences, having recently spoken at the 7th African Council for Distance Education Triennial Conference and the Higher Education eLearning Technologies International Conference. Her engagement in these forums allows her to share insights and foster collaboration among educators, further enhancing the quality of distance education in the region.
As a senior lecturer at Africa Nazarene University, Dr. Wambua has held various leadership roles, including serving as the Coordinator of Master of Education programs and the Director of the Institute of Open, Distance and e-Learning. Her commitment to educational excellence is demonstrated through her involvement in the development of the National Open and e-Learning Framework and ODeL Centre Guidelines published by DOLPA-EA. These frameworks serve as essential resources for institutions aiming to implement effective distance learning programs.
In addition to her administrative and consultative roles, Dr. Wambua is also an accomplished author. She has written five books, co-authored nine instructional manuals, and edited twelve manuals for various educational institutions. Her dedication to promoting distance education is further evident in her organization of free webinars and workshops aimed at enhancing competency-based online learning.
QAHE‘s decision to appoint Dr. Rebecca Wambua as an Honorary Fellow reflects its commitment to recognizing outstanding leadership and contributions to quality education. Dr. Wambua’s expertise and dedication to advancing educational practices in East Africa align seamlessly with QAHE’s mission to uphold high standards in education.
As QAHE welcomes Dr. Wambua into its distinguished fellowship, it looks forward to her continued contributions to the field of education and her role in shaping the future of quality assurance in learning. Her appointment is not only a recognition of her past achievements but also a promise of the positive impact she will continue to have on the educational landscape.