Founded in 1997, with over 43,000 students in over 21 countries in Africa, African Virtual University last week launched a multinational eLearning project at Egerton University in Kenya.
According to AVU, the project is part of the activities to implement the multinational project funded by the African Development Bank (AfDB) in a move to strengthen the AVU and its network of institutions to deliver and manage quality ICT integrated education and training opportunities.
The Egerton University launch follows the successful completion of the Policy Harmonization and Curriculum Conceptualization Workshop which was held from 9th to 12th July, 2012 in Nairobi Kenya where Vice Chancellors of 26 African Universities developed an implementation framework for the Multinational Project II and agreed to work with the AVU to collaboratively implement the project.
The eLearning project launched at Egerton University will enhance the use of open educational resources, and implementation of programs such as the teacher education, computer science and peace and conflict resolution, as well as capacity enhancement of university academics in developing, managing and implementing their own program using eLearning programs.
Through the project, the AVU will also work to reduce gender disparity in science disciplines by awarding scholarships to female students and provide technical assistance to countries and universities in Africa.
Speaking on behalf of the AVU Rector, Dr. Bakary Diallo, the AVU Head of Academic programs, Dr. Atieno Adala, said: “Various studies have demonstrated that the current mode of delivery has been unable to meet either current or projected demand”. Dr. Adala added that now is the time for African Universities to make the use ICTs an integral part of our teaching and learning.
The Deputy Vice Chancellor, Finance and Administration, Egerton University, Prof. John Njenga Munene, who represented the Vice Chancellor said: “Distance education is the future but it also calls for rigorous quality assurance from university academics”. He said the AVU Multinational project II offer Egerton University the necessary support to ensure that the university offers eLearning programs.
