Online Learning

Kenya: MKU VC lauds digital learning as University welcomes new students

Noticias

Africa/Kenya/15-11-2020/Autor(a): Hunja Macharia/Fuente: www.kbc.co.ke

Mount Kenya University has successfully embraced digital platforms to support online learning through innovative and collaborative technologies.

MKU Vice Chancellor Stanley Waudo says the decision was arrived at after the Government closed all learning institutions early in the year after the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic.

“On-line learning is student-centered; it encourages students to take responsibility of their own learning through solving problems, practicing, progressing and has real-time feedback from educators. Undoubtedly, with the wider spread of technology, online learning has the potential of being a viable alternative mode of learning,” Waudo said.

The Vice Chancellor spoke during the orientation of new students who are joining the University to undertake various courses.

He said the purpose of student orientation is to equip new students with information that can facilitate adaption to an academic environment.

Waudo emphasized on the need for students to embrace online learning saying, “Digital transformation in Kenya and across the globe is a trend that has redefined learning through creating learning experiences that inspire lifelong learning.”

He called for student responsibility in online learning saying they must Overcome perceptions and preconceptions about online learning as well as avoid dependence on teachers.

Waudo said the University stands for innovation, excellence, integrity and unity of purpose and urged the new students to put a lot of emphasis on the values.

“I draw your attention to the four MKU core values which will enable each one of you to adapt positively within our environment,” He said.

Source and Image: https://www.kbc.co.ke/mku-vc-lauds-digital-learning-as-university-welcomes-new-students/

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Kenya: MKU reduces school fees by 30pc to ease burden on guardians

Noticias

Africa/Kenya/24-05-2020/Author: Hunja Macharia/Fuente: www.kbc.co.ke

Mount Kenya University has slashed school fees by 30% in a bid to cushion parents and guardians from the effects of Covid-19 pandemic.

MKU Deputy Vice Chancellor Administration, Dr. Evans Mwiti said it would be unfair for the University to charge full fees yet students have not been attending face to face classes.

He said most parents have suffered due to the effects of the pandemic and would be hard pressed to raise fees.

Mwiti said the University in partnership with Telkom and Safaricom introduced online teaching in their May/August Semester to ensure that students complete their studies on time.

He said staff and student will get subsidized bundles to enable them access online learning information and materials.

Dr. Mwiti however said that students who will be unable to access online services will be accorded an opportunity to complete their studies once learning resumes.

The University board of directors Chairman Prof. Simon Gicharu has already established a six member team to implement online learning classes.

The team spearheaded by School of Education Dean Benson Njoroge will also explore the possibility of conducting online examination.

Meanwhile the University has extended the contracts of staff and lecturers that had lapsed or were due for expiry until the institution re-opens.

The Government in March ordered schools and universities to close as a precautionary measure against the spread of coronavirus.

Mount Kenya University reckons that the closure derailed contracts talks and in the process blocking the release of salaries of those whose employment terms had expired.

“Covid-19 has affected normal operations where internal processes are followed to validate the renewals and there is a standing policy that inhibits the directorate of finance from processing salaries for the affected staff whose contracts have expired.” Said a memo signed by MKU chairman and Founder Prof. Simon Gicharu.

“We direct the council to extend all contracts for all staff in and outside Kenya month by month until the university re-opens to enable the affected staff to renegotiate their contracts in the normal manner.” He said.

The pay directive will benefit affected workers at MKU’s eight campuses in Kenya, four open learning centres in Kisii, Kakamega, Kitale and Meru, MKU Rwanda, country offices in Uganda, Somalialand, Puntland, Burundi and Uganda.

In March, MKU and Japan-based Osaka City University jointly won a Ksh 450 million grant from Japan International Cooperation Agency for malaria research.

The funds will be deployed for research on malaria prevalence in Homa Bay.

Source and Image: https://www.kbc.co.ke/mku-reduces-school-fees-by-30pc-to-ease-burden-on-guardians/

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Report from the Network Public Education «Online Learning: What Every Parent Should Know»

Reseñas

Reseña: Usando tecnología para impartir instrucción en las escuelas se han vuelto cada vez más populares. Los estudiantes deben usar en línea programas, libros de texto y aplicaciones como parte de su trabajo de clase y tarea. BYOD (Traer su propio dispositivo) las políticas de la escuela  han llenado las aulas y pasillos con estudiantes llevando teléfonos inteligentes, computadoras portátiles y iPads. En algunos estados, los estudiantes deben tomar al menos un curso en línea. En 36 estados, los estudiantes pueden asistir a un tiempo virtual, a tiempo completo escuela charter, nunca conociendo maestros o compañeros de clase cara a cara. La mayor dependencia de la tecnología en las escuelas se mueven a una velocidad vertiginosa uno que supera con creces la acumulación de investigación sobre su efectividad. ¿En línea? y el aprendizaje mixto mejora el estudiante ¿aprendizaje? ¿Qué sabemos acerca de la educación virtual ¿escuelas? ¿Cómo influye la política de beneficios? ¿qué decisiones hay sobre la tecnología de uso? Más allá de las cuestiones de efectividad, hay también preocupaciones de privacidad de los estudiantes. En línea el aprendizaje, en todas sus formas, captura una como tesoros los datos estudiantiles. ¿Quién es el dueño de los datos y para qué fines puede ser utilizado? ¿Puede venderse la  información privada del estudiante con fines comerciales, con o sin ¿consentimiento paterno? Qué educativo las decisiones se están tomando para estudiantes basados en datos que pueden o no captar realmente su logro o habilidades? Estas son algunas de las grandes preguntas de nuestro informe el aprendizaje en línea: lo que todos los padres Deberían saber . A través de una extensa revisión de la literatura de investigación, nuestro informe proporciona información crítica sobre lo que se sabe y lo que permanece desconocido. También proporciona a los padres las preguntas que deben haceren  su escuela sobre como la tecnología es usada en el aula

Introducción

Using technology to deliver instruction in schools has become increasingly popular. Students are required to use online programs, textbooks and apps as part of their classwork and homework. BYOD (Bring your own device) school policies have filled classrooms and hallways with students carrying smart phones, laptops and iPads. In some states students are required to take at least one online course. In 36 states, students may attend a virtual, full-time charter school, never meeting teachers or classmates face to face. The increased reliance on technology in schools is moving at a breakneck speed— one that far exceeds the accumulation of research on its effectiveness.

Does online and blended learning enhance student learning? What do we know about virtual schools? How does profit influence policy decisions on the use technology? Beyond questions of effectiveness, there are also student privacy concerns. Online learning, in all of its forms, captures a treasure trove of student data. Who owns the data and to what ends may it be used? Can private student information be sold for commercial purposes, with or without parental consent? What educational decisions are being made for students based on data that may or may not actually capture their achievement or abilities? These are some of the big questions our report Online Learning: What Every Parent Should Know answers. Through an extensive review of the research literature, thin as it may be, our report provides critical information on what is known and what remain unknown. It also provides parents with the questions they should ask their schools as technology is rolled into the classroom.

The Network for Public Education (NPE) is grateful to scholar Michael Barbour whose extensive knowledge of the research helped guide this report. We also wish to thank NPE Board member Leonie Haimson whose knowledge of the use of technology, blended learning, and concerns regarding student privacy provided invaluable input to this report. Ms. Haimson also serves as Co-Chair of the Coalition for Student Privacy. Carol Burris Thank you to NPE Communications Director, Darcie Cimarusti, for the design on this report and to Donna Roof, our copy editor. Finally, special thanks to the Board of Directors of the Network for Public Education, especially to President Diane Ravitch, and to all who financially support our efforts.

Editions: A Network for Public Education Report 2018

Donwload Online-Learning-What-Every-Parent-Should-Know (1)

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