University of Water Sisulu team explores E-Learning collaboration at KNUST

A team from the University of Water Sisulu (WSU), South Africa, visited the KNUST E-Learning Centre to explore collaborative opportunities in e-learning, with discussions centered on student and staff mobility, the relevance of higher education institutions in Africa, and strategies for advancing online teaching and learning. The WSU team, representing various faculties and departments, is seeking to strengthen its e-learning framework. With a student population of 32,000, the university transitioned to blended teaching during the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic's challenges forced the institution to adopt online teaching, and they are now working on refining these methods to meet current educational demands.

A concern for WSU is ensuring the credibility of online examinations and developing an e-learning center, which is currently absent at their university. The visit to KNUST provided the WSU team an opportunity to learn from a well-established e-learning system. KNUST’s E-Learning Centre supports both the university and its affiliates, delivering online education at scale. Through the Institute of Distance Learning (IDL), KNUST operates a teaching model where 50% of courses are online and 50% are conducted in-person. The E-Learning Centre’s capacity to manage up to 125 online classes simultaneously was highlighted during the discussions.

During the visit, KNUST shared its plans to launch an e-learning journal in July 2025. These publications are to serve as a platform for research and innovations in e-learning, offering a space for African universities to share practices. The journal reflects KNUST’s commitment to advancing e-learning globally.

The WSU team toured the E-Learning Centre’s facilities and observed the infrastructure and systems in place. They were keen on understanding how KNUST integrates technology into its teaching processes and ensures that online education is accessible. The tour provided practical examples of how an e-learning setup can be implemented and sustained, even in challenging circumstances.

The discussions also explored student and staff mobility. Both universities recognized the importance of creating opportunities for exchange programs, allowing students and staff to gain experiences and enhance their skills. This collaboration could strengthen the relevance of African universities in addressing continental challenges.

Published: 20th January,2025 Source: KNUST E-Learning Centre