Makerere University is going to commence the training of its staff in online teaching in order to prepare them on how to use Makerere e-learning platforms to teach and assess students. The university recognizes the importance of well-trained staff in this area in order for students to fully benefit from these studies.
Also read: A simple method on how to open up a muele account on Makerere’s e-learning platform
In a circular dated 14th July, the University management explains that it will resume training of staff in open, distance and eLearning which proved to work well the past semester allowing the university to finish studies through the blended learning programme.
After establishing how effective this training was, the university would like to continue as there’s also a need for further capacity development in online module development, online facilitation and online assessment and examination. Capacity development efforts will continue in the following modules:
- Conducting online assessments and examinations using MUELE
- Effective online facilitation using interactive tools such as Jamboard, Menti, Zoom and Big Blue button
- Development of instructionally sound modules
The first module will start on Tuesday 27th July 2021 from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm. However, the University has not released a statement as to whether this current training means that students should prepare for examinations or studies soon.
Recent Makerere e-learning efforts
The university’s efforts towards e-learning cannot be disputed as it has ensured that studies continue despite challenges caused by the pandemic that required schools and institutions of higher learning to close. At the onset of the second lockdown, the university had successfully completed a semester through the blended e-learning programme and some students had sat for examinations.
Read also: Makerere University e-learning to be combined with physical classes in new timetable
Makerere took on staggered learning for the new academic year after it recognized the need for online classes especially for courses that require practical lessons like engineering and medicine. The staggered learning timetable was released clearly outlining how the students and lecturers were expected to have a combination of online classes with physical classes.
Last month, the university launched e-library services that would allow students to get access to library services via the E-library. Students would have access to all known library services, and they will simply need their email accounts to do so. These email addresses will be used to help them create accounts to access the e-library.
Read more: Makerere University e-library services launched to help students during lockdown
The necessity for such a move was urgent because students will commence exams as soon as universities are allowed to reopen and others need to carry out research to complete their final year projects.
Other efforts to encourage Makerere e-learning include the partnership of the university with telecom companies like Africell and MTN to extend the offer for zero rates for MUK websites such that students can access them with ease.
Access to these websites would also eliminate the need for physical interaction when it comes to some activities like making payments, receiving admission letters. However, the Vice-Chancellor warned that these MUK websites do not work properly with VPN implying that students and lecturers should pay OTT tax or get connected to WiFi to access these sites.
Read more: Africell, MTN to extend the offer for zero rates for MUK websites
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