Uganda: KIU ready for e-learning next semester – Dr Nasinyama

África/Uganda/Mayo 2016/Fuente:TheObserver /Autor: Moses Talemwa

Resumen: La Universidad Internacional de Kampala se iniciará formalmente en  la enseñanza en línea el próximo semestre, tras la conclusión de los preparativos para el aprendizaje electrónico. De acuerdo con Vicerrector de Investigación de KIU para la Innovación y Extensión, Dr. George Nasinyama, que están poniendo a prueba la dirección de plataforma en la que se aloja el contenido de la enseñanza.

Kampala International University will formally start online teaching next semester, following the conclusion of preparations for e-learning.

According to KIU’s deputy vice chancellor for Research Innovation and Extension, Dr George Nasinyama, they are currently piloting the e-platform on which the teaching content will be housed.

“We are presently piloting the programme, but next semester we will be live and online by August,” Nasinyama revealed. “We will start with seven postgraduate programmes.”

These include the Masters in Business Administration, Master of Public Administration, Master of Public Health, Master of Education, Master of Laws, Master of Arts in Conflict and Peace Building. He added that work on other modules was ongoing.

Nasinyama was speaking at the conclusion of a training session for KIU staff, at their main campus in Kansanga, recently. The training was carried out by a consulting firm, led by Prof Joyce Agalo of Moi University in Kenya.

Prof Agalo explained that their efforts were intended to train staff on virtual teaching; and setting up the relevant infrastructure.

“From what we can say, they are over 68 per cent ready to start online teaching,” she said.
Agalo’s team has also customized a mobile application for KIU’s e-platform.

SPECIAL NEEDS

Agalo said the e-platform would also soon be customized to support students with special needs.

“The software to assist blind or deaf students exists, it is a matter of customizing it, when needed,” Agalo said.

Nasinyama then chipped in, adding that he had seen how students with special needs could benefit from e-learning.

“I was recently in Ethiopia at Addis Ababa University, and saw blind students preparing their PhD theses – it was amazing,” he said. “The leadership here is committed; so, there is no option but to embrace whatever challenges are available.”

He indicated that with its expanding enrolment, KIU would be able to embrace students with or without disabilities, over time.

GETTING READY

Agalo was quick to emphasize that KIU staff would need to appreciate the differences between teaching in a classroom setting and teaching in a virtual forum.

“You need to realise that you are preparing a lesson that could be accessed long after it has been delivered, because not every student will be available to attend class at conventional hours,” she said.

She added that the university was setting itself up for the possibility of large classes and needed to prepare beforehand.

“The critical issue is for there to be instant attention to all learners. If there is increased enrolment, KIU should consider increasing the number of tutors to handle queries and discussions by students.”

One of the participants in the training, Aaron Kimwise, a lecturer in computer engineering at KIU’s Ishaka campus, commended the move towards e-learning.

“The new e-platform will facilitate my work as a lecturer, since I can reach many more students. It will allow the student, who usually does not speak to chat, online,” he said.

However, Kimwise was cautious, admitting that the initial steps would be difficult.

“Lesson planning will be harder in the initial days [as we get to grips with the basics], but will improve as we get used to it,” he said. “But we are here to embrace the future.”

Fuente de la noticia: http://www.observer.ug/education/44113-kiu-ready-for-e-learning-next-semester-dr-nasinyama

Fuente de la imagen: http://www.observer.ug/images/KIU-deputy-vice-chancellor-Dr-George-Nasinyama-L-attending-a-worskshop-on-e-learning-with-other-staff.jpg