Higher education boost as Kenyatta University launches digital school

KU Vice Chancellor Olive Mugenda

NAIROBI, KENYA: Kenyatta University has launched a digital school to meet the increased demand for quality higher education e-Learning programmes.

The university's Vice Chancellor Olive Mugenda said e-Learning programmes have faster delivery cycles than traditional classroom-based instructions.

"Today, we live in a technologically-rich country where more than ever before most of us, especially the younger generation, are spending more time online, and in more advanced and creative ways," she said.

Speaking at the launch, Information Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i said there has been a significant investment in Information and Communications Technology in the education sector which has resulted in technologically?enhanced teaching and learning approaches.

The Digital School of Virtual and Open Learning will run on a trimester cycle, which means undergraduates will complete their studies within three calendar years.

The programme will cater for students who are unable to study at the university through the traditional full-time on campus mode.

"The school provides a wide range of quality programmes at diploma, undergraduate and post-graduate levels through open and distance learning modes. There will be live tutorials in Nairobi, Mombasa, Nakuru, Garissa, Kisumu, Kakamega, Embu, Nyeri and Marsabit Regional Centres," said Prof Mugenda.

"Our e?Learning programmes have the potential to deliver improved services and tools coupled with quality professional support. Our costs are affordable, teachers and students can interact through offline and online forums."

Dr Matiang'i said: "The school will not only allow for a seamless integrated approach to accessing and sharing information but also empower students as they will be able to access quality education anywhere and anytime."

All newly enrolled students at the KU Digital School will get a free tablet uploaded with registered units.

The Vice Chancellor also mentioned that the new mode of learning through tablets is very convenient, and that the online platform created would be accessible to local participants and international students for diverse courses.

She added that the school would engage learners in programmes in which they have control over the pace and direction of their learning. The paradigm shift would mean the teacher is no longer the 'deliverer' of knowledge as the new e-Learning environment would focus on the learner as the information seeker, she said.

According to a report by US-based international research company, Ambient Insight, the sharp rise in academic digitisation, enrolment in online higher education and self-paced e-Learning has made Africa the most dynamic e-Learning market in the world.