A little confusion has been noticed in the past days when universities expressed readiness for reopening of all students which implied that there will be no reason for universities to continue with e-learning (ODeL). However, this contradicted with the statement of the National Council for Higher Education which said that the directive to allow all students return to universities for physical classes would only be communicated by the President from whom there was no word at the time.
Makerere University recently released a publication of the new academic year school calendar which left students wondering whether they would be returning to the traditional format of attending class.
Also read: The future of Makerere University e-learning still uncertain as students prepare to report.
It is noted that Makerere University despite having online classes for non-finalists last year, students reported to the university to do their final exams so there’s no shock as to why many would think its all right to the approach of physical classes.
NCHE says Universities to continue with e-learning.
In a recent statement from the National Council for Higher Education, it has communicated that word coming in from the Ministry of Education is for Universities to continue with e-learning (ODeL short for Open Distance E-Learning) for at least another 3 months.
Looks like the government hasn’t come up with a permanent solution as yet to enable universities and schools contain all students at the same time while ensuring they follow SOP’s (Standard Operating Procedures) to control the spread of the coronavirus.
The directive for universities to continue with e-learning (ODeL short for Open Distance E-Learning) might be implemented for a period longer than the one anticipated by many people. Lessons taken from other countries show that it’s better to hold back on the reopening of schools and universities for all students if there is no proper plan in place.
Countries like Israel and the United States that reopened schools and universities too soon observed a surge in newly infected cases in a very short period. On the other hand, low-income countries are at a disadvantage as they do not have the facilities to ensure that SOP’s are followed and stringent health regulations are followed.
The government should take its time until an assured plan is in place to ensure that physical classes for all can continue without putting people’s health at risk.
READ: Effects of the internet shutdown on government hit worse than private sector.