KNUST E-Learning Centre to launch International Journal for advancing digital education

The Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology has made progress toward launching an international journal focused on e-learning. A committee formed to establish the journal has presented its findings and recommendations in a report. This initiative is to advance research and practices in e-learning, both locally and internationally.

The report outlines steps taken by the committee to set up a globally recognized journal. These include consultations with the Director of the KNUST E-Learning Centre, Professor Eric Appau Asante and decisions on operational areas such as the journal's name, mission, scope, and website development.

The journal is named "E-Learning Research and Practice (E-LRP)," reflecting its focus on theoretical and applied aspects of e-learning. To attract a broad audience, the committee has announced a design competition for the journal’s cover, in collaboration with the Publishing Studies and Communication Design Departments at KNUST. The journal will also have a dedicated office within the E-Learning Centre’s facilities. The University Information Technology Services will ensure compliance with university standards and sustainability.

To meet staffing needs, the committee recommends strengthening the E-Learning Centre’s workforce by adding personnel with publishing expertise. This expansion will rely on a mix of existing staff and newly recruited members. Funding strategies include internal allocations from the E-Learning Centre’s budget and external grants from organizations such as the Ministry of Education, Ghana Education Service, and corporate sponsors like MTN and Telecel.

Other sponsors include the Mastercard Foundation and non-governmental organizations in education and e-learning. The journal will adopt a management structure that features an Advisory Board, Editorial Board, and Review Boards to ensure academic rigor. Outreach efforts will include a strategic “E-Learning Roadshow” targeting educational institutions.

The goal is to increase awareness of digital and electronic learning platforms for education and development in Africa and globally. The committee has developed a timeline to guide its activities. These include launching the journal during the 2025 E-Learning Week. The journal will be open-access and peer-reviewed, accepting diverse submissions such as research articles, case studies, and practical papers. To achieve this, several tasks are underway. These include finalizing the journal’s website design, securing funds, and implementing outreach plans. The membership of the committee includes professionals from various departments at KNUST.

This diversity ensures the journal benefits from a wide range of expertise. The committee adopted a phased approach to its work, conducting hybrid meetings to ensure inclusivity and flexibility. Tasks were divided into three phases to ensure timely progress. The new journal is expected to contribute to the global discourse on e-learning. It will also provide a platform for researchers and practitioners to share ideas and innovations aimed at improving educational outcomes through technology.

Published: 11th December,2024 Source: KNUST E-Learning Centre