KNUST graduate and teaching assistants trained on supporting online teaching and learning

Students in tertiary institutions worry face to face teaching is gradually becoming a drawback in accessing higher education.Socio-economic background and geographical location have excluded some groups from learning in institutions offering exclusive in-person classes.This is slowing down the progress of education. In-person teaching and learning has been the traditional way of learning for decades.

However, as the student population increases in all tertiary institutions, lecturers and teaching assistants find it hard managing class sizes.On the other hand, students disregard unfavorable weather conditions to attend lectures or submit assignments. Both parties describe this as tedious and worrisome. Benedict Afriyie, is a student at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology. “In class, I am unable to hear the lecturer. Usually, the lecturers do not use microphones. Sometimes, the class is so huge you will not find a sitting place. There are times we walk all the way from our hostels to submit assignments,” he revealed.

Tertiary institutions struggle with space for lessons. Emmanuella Gidi, a student lives farther from the university. She reveals some of her colleagues have missed examinations and class hours due to change of venues for lectures.

“ I live at Boadi and come to Kotei for lectures daily. It is quite a distance. I wake up early and rush is. Getting a shuttle from Boadi to campus is a struggle. My colleagues and I missed lectures a few times,” she said. Frank Boateng Agyemang, a student, is intimidated speaking in front of a class of over 200 students.This has limited his interaction and opportunity for valuable feedback.

The E-Learning Centre of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology seeks to open up education to more people by offering online learning courses The Centre is tutoring Teaching Assistants on the usage of online platforms for teaching and learning.

Professor Eric Appau Asante is Director. “They are going to offer teaching assistance to students who may be familiar with online platforms. This means they must always be a step ahead,” he advised.

Published:19th January 2024 Source: KNUST E-Learning Centre