Key words: e-learning; technology integration; globalization; knowledge economies; bandwidth; VSAT, wireless hotspots; content development; electronic learning system; Moodle; ICT; World Wide Web; e-literacy; e-illiteracy“Implementing electronic learning in an institution of Higher Education: Case of Africa University”
Introduction
The most important question that we should ask ourselves as the custodians of African Higher Educational Institutions is “Does Electronic Learning have the potential to add value to our educational institutions?” As ICT service providers it becomes critical that we promote technology integration for purposes of adding value to the core mission of educational institutions – i.e. that which is teaching, learning, research and peripheral client services provision. Technology must not be implemented just for the sake of it – it must be implemented and integrated carefully so that it adds value to the core functions of educational institutions.
We live in a world of globalization, a world of information and technology and a world driven by knowledge economies (Kay Muir-Leresche - RUFORUM biennial meeting, Mangochi, Malawi, April 2007). Universities can no longer exist as silos – they need to be relevant to this new world. This means that universities need to re-think their roles, revise their curricula according to changing demands and provide the services and methods of instruction that are demanded by their clientele.
About Africa University
• Pan-African Institution, established in 1992 (http://www.africau.edu)
• 500 computers on campus
• All buildings have LANs
• All buildings are connected to the ICT hub by fiber (star topology)
• The university ensures a computer for every academic, technical and administrative staff
• There are wireless access “hotspots” available all over campus
• The effective use of computers to improve teaching and learning is emphasized
• “Smart Classrooms” have been set up – No more chalk, duster and green/black board
• University is moving towards a “paperless” environment as a way to conserve scarce resources.
• A VSAT duplex solution has been installed for Internet and Email access.
• All students and staff have user accounts for email and internet access.
• An Electronic Learning System called “MOODLE” is in use
• Africa University is currently deploying Distance Learning Satellite Campuses in Mozambique and Angola. In future Liberia, Nigeria, Sierra Leone and DRC will be included
Why E-learning at Africa University
E-learning is defined as that type of learning that does not require the learner and the learning facilitator to be physically located in the same place in order for learning to take place. E-learning is also called web-based learning, distance learning, online learning among many other terms. A blended approach to e-learning is used – this method combines the traditional face to face method with one or more of the following modes of learning: web-based, video conferencing and offline cd-rom based material
Africa University implemented e-learning as a strategy to achieve its pan-African mission on a continent with so many challenges. The university realized the need for creativity, innovativeness, proactive approach and adoption of teaching methods that are flexible enough to accommodate a diverse student body. The University appreciates how developments and application of ICT’s to higher education have rapidly transformed the delivery of education to remote places.
E-learning Implementation Framework used by Africa University
Africa University used the e-learning framework described below. This does not mean that we have arrived in terms of e-learning deployment – this is an ongoing journey that will require us to keep learning and innovating all the time.
· The University Board of Directors provided the vision, guidance and support. This filtered down to the University leadership.
· A detailed strategic plan to guide the implementation and integration of ICT’s was developed by the university.
· An E-learning Committee composed of all the stakeholders in the university was set up.
· ICT Staff and E-learning Committee members undertook exposure visits to USA and RSA educational institutions.
· An E-learning Policy was developed in consultation with all the stake holders. This policy is one of the ICT Policies of the university.
· Academic staff was trained in Basic Computer Literacy – later this training is being taken to a higher level, i.e. training in the use of the computer as an effective “tool” for teaching and learning.
· The university invested in infrastructure development – focusing on the development of a robust campus-wide network.
· The university budget now includes the annual cost of bandwidth (Internet Connectivity) subscriptions. The university uses VSAT technology.
· An Educational Technologies Unit/Department was set up in the university. This unit is the link between academic staff and technology integration.
· The issue of access to computers for staff and students was addressed – currently the computer to student ratio is 1:6. This does not take into account the number of students that bring in their own computer equipment.
· Africa University is currently engaged in the development of electronic content and the conversion of paper based content.
· The E-learning Committee identified “champions” or “early starters” among academic staff so that other academics learn from and get motivated by them.
· A technology fee payable by students was introduced. It helps towards technology upkeep.
Benefits derived from the e-learning drive
The e-learning project at Africa University has resulted in numerous benefits, some of which are (based on informal interactions at Africa University and a recent e-learning survey carried out at Africa University):
· Our clients, the students have told us that this has increased quality in service delivery and it justifies the fees that they are required to pay.
· Academic members of staff have become motivated in their jobs and have said that they now enjoy a higher level of job satisfaction.
· The whole project has placed Africa University on a higher pedestal – we are a university that is responsive and that is concerned about quality in service delivery.
· The e-learning project is a good marketing strategy when it comes to recruiting and attracting fee paying students.
Conclusion & The way forward: “Why e-learning for African Institutions of Higher Education”
The introduction of e-learning in African Institutions will add value in various ways:
• Technology can be used to facilitate remote teaching by those experienced and marketable scholars that have left the continent.
• The knowledge from retired scholars can continue to be shared long after their retirement, if it is conserved in electronic format.
• We know that Africa lacks data and information to facilitate research – with effective use of technology this will cease to be a problem.
• We all appreciate that access to knowledge is critical – if technology is used effectively in the universities electronic portals would facilitate knowledge sharing.
• From experience we appreciate the need to support professional networks, create communication channels and reduce institutional isolation and fragmentation – technology can be used to achieve this.
• University programs are being challenged to become relevant - we cannot ignore that we live in a world of globalization, a world of technology and information and a world driven by knowledge economies (Kay Muir-Leresche - RUFORUM biennial meeting, Mangochi, Malawi, April 2007).
• We know that we do face challenges when collaborating with institutions in the first world – technology can assist us to establish flexible and reliable communication linkages.
• It is important that collaborating institutions implement technologies that enhance online collaborations to increase knowledge sharing.
• Farmers have testified to the fact that ICT gadgets such as cell phones do help them to keep in touch with their markets. It is evident that if technology if integrated properly it does solve problems and enhance business processes.
The way forward is clear – we can no longer ignore the value of Information and Communication Technologies. Some of the important issues are:
• The time has come to revolutionize teaching. Let us start, even on a small scale: there is a wealth of information and knowledge on the World Wide Web – online journals and e-books; it is possible for stakeholders to collaborate and share skills.
• BANDWIDTH or Internet Connectivity is very expensive because of poor telecommunications infrastructure, unsupportive ICT Policies and lack of concerted efforts by African Universities. There is an urgent need to lobby for bandwidth funding from our institutional budgets and other strategic partners.
• Access to computers is critical for effective learning when using the new methods of delivery.
• The introduction of e-learning must be carefully managed because there is resistance to change by academic staff. They must be trained more than basic computer skills - they must be trained in how to effectively use the computer and other resources as effective tools in the classroom.
• Content development is very critical - need to develop electronic training material and convert existing paper-based training material to electronic format.
• Institutions of Higher Learning need to have a deliberate policy for implementing technology - Policy for e-literacy and use of technology in the classroom
• As much as we have budgets for water we should also have budgets for technology implementation and upkeep.
• Consortiums such as RUFORUM must begin a process of planning for this – money spent on ICT will be an investment
• There is a need for all of us to lobby our governments to commit budgets for infrastructure.
• Issues of ICT need to be properly articulated by everyone, not just the service providers – we must all be able to articulate the benefits of ICT’s.
• The current student demands a well-connected campus – it is important for universities to take the needs of their clients seriously.
Reference
Africa University ICT Strategic Plan and Africa University E-learning Committee Documents
