CONVERGENCE, DIVERGENCE, AND GAPS IN VIRTUAL HIGHER EDUCATION ACCREDITATION: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW; [CONVERGÊNCIA, DIVERGÊNCIA E LACUNAS NA ACREDITAÇÃO DO ENSINO SUPERIOR VIRTUAL: UMA REVISÃO SISTEMÁTICA]

Gómez Reategui J.F.; Poma Deza J.; Cabrera M.J.; Avalos Naveda A.G.; Chamolí Falcón A.W. · Millenium: Journal of Education, Technologies, and Health (2026) · DOI: 10.29352/mill0230.46486

Resumen

Introduction: The accelerated expansion of virtual education in higher education has increased the demand for quality assurance and accreditation frameworks capable of addressing the multidimensional challenges of digital environments, revealing inconsistencies in their conceptual foundations and implementation, particularly in Ibero-American contexts. Objective: To analyze the degree of convergence and divergence among quality accreditation frameworks applied to virtual higher education in Ibero-America, identifying common dimensions, contextual particularities, and gaps relative to international standards. Methods: A systematic review was conducted following the PRISMA 2020 protocol, involving the identification, selection, and synthesis of scientific literature indexed in Scopus, ensuring methodological rigor and transparency. Results: Structural convergence was observed in dimensions such as institutional governance, technological infrastructure, pedagogical design, and student support. However, operational divergence emerged due to differences in institutional capacities, regulatory frameworks, and levels of technological development. Persistent gaps were also identified in learning outcomes assessment, digital pedagogical integration, and alignment with international standards. Conclusion: The main limitation lies not in the absence of frameworks but in their fragmented application and limited contextual adaptation, requiring more integrated, flexible, and context-sensitive accreditation models to ensure sustainable educational outcomes.

Instituciones: Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos; Universidad San Ignacio de Loyola; Universidad de Huánuco; Universidad Femenina del Sagrado Corazón; Universidad César Vallejo