Dr Mouhamad Mpezamihigo Kampala International University Vice-Chancellor says that although the closure has been abrupt, lectures must continue online and students must complete their course works, tests and exams.
Several Universities and other institutions of higher learning are working on plans to have online learning for students. On Wednesday, President Museveni directed the closure of all schools as part of the measure to prevent the spread of the Coronavirus.
Now, several private tertiary institutes argue that they may continue lectures using virtual means.
Some of the institutions include Cavendish University, Kampala International University, YMCA Comprehensive Institute, St. Lawrence University, United Media Consultants and Trainers among others.
Dr Mouhamad Mpezamihigo Kampala International University Vice-Chancellor says that although the closure has been abrupt, lectures must continue online and students must complete their course works, tests and exams.
“We shall have to implement the Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) program which is an online learning program where learners will be required to login into the system with a password to access all the reading materials necessary for them”, Dr Mpezamihigo said.
By Thursday, Michael Okopa Quality Assurance Director at Cavendish University sent students emails indicating that the University is preparing to migrate contact students to Distance Learning programme which means giving students content to read online.
Okopa notes that they have been already running the system and therefore will not face any difficulties. He adds that although the online learning platform is always paid for, the university will meet the costs.
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Variriano Osuna Opendi the Public Relations Officer YMCA Comprehensive Institute observes that they are planning to implore Google classes for their students to continue with the normal lectures online by accessing notes and sharing several projects by their fellows.
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Opendi said they will have to use the information management systems if they are to continue with their plan for the semester within the 32-day school closure as directed by the president.
Simon Peter Mabira the Public Relations Officer at St. Lawrence University says that all students must have online classes to ensure they complete their syllabuses.
“Even during the 32-day closure for schools due to Corona Virus, we must continue with school only that this time it will be outside classrooms but the content will still be the same,” says Mabira.
At United Media Consultants and Trainers-UMCAT, Charles Ogwel, the Director, notes that it is difficult to hold online classes given the fact that not all students at the institution can afford laptops or smartphones to access the online content.
Arthur Babu Muguzi, a director at the national council for higher education, says that the council has been pushing for such innovations although many institutions had failed to adopt.
Muguzi however, points out that the lingering question now is on the quality of education that will be offered online. He adds that unfortunately, the council has not been able to assess the online platforms since the current law doesn’t permit them.
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Story by Christopher Kisekka
