Student Centered E-Learning implementation workshop
KNUST E-Learning Centre and EEISHEA-KNUST’s Workshop on Student-centered e-learning implementation workshop came off from the 20th to the 22nd of June, 2022. The program had Lecturers who are e-learning champions, IT administrators for the various colleges, staff of the UITS and staff of the E-Learning Centre in attendance. Day one of the program saw the Chairman of the Board of the E-Learning Centre, Prof. Isaac Kwame Dontwi deliver an opening speech on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor.
In the speech read on her behalf, the Vice-Chancellor commended the Centre for organizing such a program. She noted that the program provides a perfect opportunity for staff of the University to gain more insight into e-learning techniques and methodologies. She therefore admonished participants to make the best of the workshop to the benefit of the University.
She concluded by stating that management is committed to transforming KNUST into an e-learning hub in the sub region. Prof. Heilyn Camacho Nunez, assistant professor of psychology and communication at Aalborg University in Denmark, was the guest facilitator for the three-day workshop. She runs an e-learning lab at the same university and her research interests are in action learning, ICTs for learning and development. The program began with all participants introducing themselves and their role in the e-learning activities of the University. Participants were then organized into groups which had at least one member from academic staff and IT staff in each group. Prof. Camacho then led participants in team building activities to discover some major themes in implementing e-learning in institutions. In day one, participants discovered that e-learning required a change of mindset and requires a redefinition of the concept of teaching and learning.
It also requires stakeholders to develop some basic digital skills and be able to think critically and be creative in problem solving in the educational environment. Day two saw participants unearthing some of the problems or challenges in implementing e-learning in the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology. In the groups formed in day one and under the guidance of Prof. Camacho, participants identified some barriers to effective e-learning implementation in the University. They then developed frameworks for overcoming these challenges which was drawn on large sheets of paper and presented by each group to all participants. Workshop activities began rounding up in day three where workshop attendees were taken through the process of designing learning experiences. Prof. Camacho encouraged attendees to always put students at the heart of designing learning experiences. After the group activities of designing effective learning experiences for students, participants shared their key learnings and experiences during the workshop.
Mr. Christopher Addo, the Senior Assistant Registrar of the Centre, commended everyone for their hard work and dedication towards improving e-learning activities in the University. He, however, charged participants to continue to put in more efforts to advance University management’s vision of making KNUST the leading e-learning institution. In his closing remarks, Prof. Eric Appau Asante – Director of the KNUST E-Learning Centre, expressed his appreciation to Prof Heilyn Camacho Nunez for the in-depth knowledge she imparted to attendees. He indicated that he is hopeful this workshop will be the beginning of many partnerships to come between the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology and Aalborg University.
Published:23rd June, 2022 Source: KNUST E-Learning Centre