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In the 21st century, it has become essential to eliminate barriers that impede access to digital learning, particularly at the tertiary education level.
To address this issue, the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology E-Learning Centre has organized the inaugural E-learning Ghana Conference, bringing together key stakeholders in the field. The conference, spanning two days, revolves around the theme of “Education without borders: digitalizing to enhance accessibility, quality, inclusivity, and sustainability.”
Professor Eric Appau Asante, the Director of the Centre, expresses optimism that the discussions held during the conference will shape the e-learning landscape. He emphasizes the importance of raising awareness among significant stakeholders such as academics, trainers, policymakers, and students to ensure the integrity and standards of Ghana’s e-learning environment.
The overarching objective is to translate the ideas and insights generated from the conference into tangible outcomes, actionable plans, and a renewed commitment to dismantling barriers that hinder educational access, improving the quality of learning experiences, fostering inclusivity, and ensuring the sustainability of e-learning efforts.
Professor Asante further states that unlocking the true potential of e-learning lies in collaborative efforts, leveraging collective expertise and resources to establish strong partnerships within supportive ecosystems. These partnerships will nurture innovation, enable scalability, and promote sustainability in e-learning initiatives.
Professor Ellis Owusu-Dabo, the Pro Vice-Chancellor of KNUST, reflects on the university’s digital transformation decisions during the COVID-19 pandemic. He pledges the university’s determination to promote the sustained use of digital tools for effective teaching and learning.
Dale Johnson, the Director of Digital Innovation at the University Design Institute of Arizona State University, urges stakeholders to continue investing in the sector to ensure a satisfactory student learning experience. He emphasizes the need to build a culture of continuous improvement and experimentation. Johnson believes that faculty members should be empowered to develop their courses online, with digital learning providing support. He asserts that investing in such initiatives over time will offer students the best learning opportunities.
Ms. Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, the Minister of Communications and Digitalisation, reveals plans to collaborate with the Ministry of Education to establish a national Learning Management System (LMS) for online and offline learning. She emphasizes the importance of each university having an LMS and envisions a universal system for the country, eliminating the need for standalone systems at individual institutions. The minister hopes that this centralized LMS will harness the existing resources of open universities to benefit all.
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Source: Omanghana.com
