Faculty urged to strengthen online instructor presence at the KNUST affiliate institutions training

Lecturers from KNUST’s affiliate institutions have been urged to improve their online instructor presence to enhance student engagement and learning outcomes. This call was made during the second day of the Faculty Training for Affiliate Institutions, organized by the KNUST E-Learning Centre on March 19, 2025. 

The session was on “Instructor Presence and Action Plan” and was facilitated by Prof. Nana Ewusi-Mensah, Dr. Linda Amoako Banning, Dr. John Boulard Forkuor, Joy Zialesi Awashie, and Prof. Eric Appau Asante. 

Dr. Forkuor began with a poll, asking participants about challenges affecting their online teaching experience. Many lecturers identified poor internet access as an issue. He then asked who should be responsible for addressing these challenges.

Most participants pointed to the government, while others believed institutions and individual lecturers also had roles to play. Prof. Nana Ewusi-Mensah highlighted the importance of instructor presence in online teaching, stating that students engage better when lecturers actively interact with them. 

“Instructor presence about delivering content and guiding students, responding to their concerns, and ensuring they feel supported throughout their learning process,” he said. Dr. Linda Amoako Banning emphasized that structured action plans could help instructors manage their online courses effectively. 

She encouraged lecturers to set clear expectations, provide timely feedback, and use interactive tools to keep students engaged. Joy Zialesi Awashie shared strategies for improving instructor presence, including the use of discussion forums, video responses, and regular announcements to create a sense of community in online classrooms. 

Prof. Eric Appau Asante, Director of the KNUST E-Learning Centre, urged lecturers to apply what they had learned. 

“The success of online education depends on how well instructors engage students. A strong presence can make the difference between students feeling lost and students staying committed to learning,” he said. The training continued with more sessions to equip faculty members with skills to improve online teaching and learning.

Published: 22nd March, 2025 Source: KNUST E-Learning Centre