Department Of Distance Education Holds Course Development Workshop for Faculty
In line with the introduction of innovative learning approaches for students, a workshop centred on the development of courses for students has been held for faculty members from various Departments under the Distance Education (DE) Programme. The workshop which was organized by the Department of Distance Education in September 2023, was an avenue for faculty members and management to interact and share their views on enhancing the teaching and learning processes for Distance Education students.
Prof. Samuel Nii Ardey Codjoe addressing participants
Speaking at a session, the Provost of the College of Education, Prof. Samuel Nii Ardey Codjoe expressed his appreciation to faculty members for their efforts in developing courses for the students. He indicated that these efforts contributed to delivering the quality education the University provides for its students. Prof. Codjoe therefore urged faculty members to continue developing innovative teaching and learning methods to enhance the transfer of knowledge during lectures.
Mr. Patrick Kuti addressing faculty members
In brief remarks, Mr. Patrick Kuti, Deputy Chief Information Technology Officer at the University of Ghana Computing System disclosed that his outfit was currently facilitating the introduction of technological tools to improve teaching and learning processes at the University. He informed the participants that the workshop/training served as a platform to reintroduce them to the SAKAI Learning Management System as well as explore its various functions to make learning interactive among lecturers and students.
A cross-section of faculty members at the training
In his address at a session, Mr Joseph Oduro Nkansah, College Secretary of the College of Education highlighted the significance of the Distance Education Programme of the University. He revealed that a committee had been set up to work with participating departments to review the Distance Education programme while a new payment structure had been developed to ensure effective payment of DE lecturers. Consequently, he thanked the lecturers for their commitment and continuous support they keep offering to the DE programme and encouraged faculty members to perform their best in making the DE programme a success.
Prof. Samuel Amponsah delivering his address
Earlier in his welcome address, Prof. Samuel Amponsah, Head of the Department of Distance Education thanked faculty members for attending the workshop. He indicated that discussions at the workshop would focus on customized learning systems that identify and develop the talents of all students as well as innovative pedagogical approaches, training on the use of the SAKAI Learning Management System and the Distance Education Courseware Template.
Consequently, Prof. Samuel Amponsah delivered a presentation on innovative pedagogy and how its use in higher educational institutions could help to meet the demand for graduates with high-level skills and transform the traditional model of teaching and learning.
Mr. Yusif Amidu speaking to participants
A practical session on the use of the Distance Education Courseware Template by Mr Yusif Amidu took participants through the application of the new designs of the courseware templates in teaching. He highlighted the flexibility of the new system in making teaching interactive for students.
Mr. Frank Kasapa’s demonstration on the re-designed interactive course site on the Sakai Learning Management System
On his part, Mr. Frank Kasapa, conducted a hands-on session on the re-designed interactive course site on the Sakai Learning Management System. He also demonstrated how the interactive course site is created to make it more engaging/interactive for students to promote teaching and learning using the Sakai and multimedia tools. Furthermore, he assured the faculty of the instructional design and technology unit team’s availability and support.
In his closing remarks, Prof. Samuel Amponsah stated that the College recognizes and greatly appreciates the efforts made by faculty members towards the development of courses for Distance Education students. In this regard, he encouraged faculty members to work together and engage students in activities to gain practical experiences.