Prof. Solomon Shibairo with Participants during the International and Online Distance eLearning workshop
MMUST Institute of Open and Distance eLearning (IODeL) held a three-day workshop on Module Writing, Development, and MOODLE training from 23rd October to 25th at Golf Hotel Kakamega. The workshop was officially opened by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Solomon Shibairo.
The training, which was aimed at imputing the digital skills critical for online studies, was attended by academic staff and Deans of Schools. The training is of paramount importance as it aligns perfectly with our institution's strategic goals to enhance the quality of education and adapt to the changing landscape of learning. The workshop will equip our staff with the necessary knowledge and skills to develop high-quality modules and effectively engage in e-learning methodologies, which are becoming increasingly essential in today's education sector.
The Vice-Chancellor addressing participants during the International and Online Distance eLearning workshop
Speaking during the official opening of the workshop, Prof Shibairo stressed the need for the University to embrace the eLearning techniques as they are key in the ever-changing technological landscape. He emphasized that all Schools are supposed to have the majority of the programs on the eLearning platform to enable students to access learning materials and also virtually attend classes from wherever they want without necessarily visiting the University. He gave the example of the Open University of Kenya which he said will efficiently run without a physical location where students and staff gather.
This training workshop was organized by the Directorate of IODeL under the leadership of Prof. Gordon Nguka, who reassured the Directorate’s commitment to ensuring that MMUST is fully equipped with eLearning facets critical to both teaching and learning. He thanked the University management under the leadership of Prof. Shibairo for the continued support towards enhancing eLearning in the University.
Areas covered by the training included the ‘Development of Expertise in Module Writing and Design, ‘Enhancement of Skills in the Development of Engaging and Interactive e-Learning Materials, ‘Learning The Effective Strategies For E-Learning Facilitation,’ and ‘Fostering Collaboration and Knowledge Sharing among Participants’.
This workshop was officially closed by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Academic and Student Affairs, Prof. Hussein Golicha, who encouraged the Deans to work within timelines and ensure that all eLearning materials are developed and delivered on time. He further stated that achieving the international standards in eLearning is a concerted effort and everyone needs to do their part for the University to achieve its goal.
E-learning is a form of education that is increasingly being used in higher education in the developed world. However, the take-up and use of e-learning in developing countries is at a preliminary stage. This move by the Institute of Open and Distance eLearning is a major boost towards making MMUST achieve international standards as far as eLearning is concerned.
