The Research Center for International and Global Higher Education at Khazar University organized an international webinar on distance and hybrid education on June 25, 2025, bringing together scholars and administrators to explore the transformation of higher education through distance and hybrid education models.

The keynote speaker was Dr. Mustafa Caner from Akdeniz University (Türkiye, Faculty of Education). In his comprehensive presentation titled "Distance and Hybrid Education Models in Higher Education: Quality Assurance and Enhancement," he discussed the lasting impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, noting that this pandemic accelerated the mainstream adoption of distance and hybrid education in universities. He emphasized that this transformation requires not only technological infrastructure but also pedagogical innovation and institutional commitment.

The presentation outlined historical development path of distance education and demonstrated its evolution through four main stages: Correspondence-based education; Radio and television-based education; Computer-assisted learning (CALL); New technologies: metaverse and augmented reality. Dr. Caner evaluated this development not merely as technical solutions, but as stages of broader educational and societal change toward flexible learning environments.

Several tasks were identified for maintaining and improving quality in online and hybrid settings: Pedagogical redesign and curricular alignment; Digital equity and accessibility; Student engagement and community building; Assessment integrity across modalities; Faculty preparation and institutional capacity.

Dr. Caner presented a seven-directional approach for establishing and maintaining quality in digital higher education: Course design and outcome alignment; Faculty pedagogical development; Student engagement; Authentic and reliable assessment; Strong student support services; Continuous monitoring, feedback and improvement; Strategic institutional investment and management.

The presentation concluded with a set of policy and practice recommendations: Integrating quality assurance into course design; Adapting assessment practices to digital environments; Increasing investment in faculty development; Ensuring accessibility and cultural sensitivity; Aligning institutional management with educational outcomes.

Dr. Caner concluded his speech with a powerful idea: "The post-pandemic period requires not restoration, but reconstruction. We are not returning to old norms - we are rebuilding higher education to be flexible, inclusive and sustainable."

The webinar attracted academic professionals from Azerbaijan, Central Asia, Türkiye and Europe. Active participants emphasized the relevance and depth of Dr. Caner's presentation.