AVU to Upgrade E-learning Center At Kenyatta University

African Virtual University

The African Virtual University (AVU) is set to provide equipment and expertise to upgrade an eLearning Centre at Kenyatta University, following the launch of the AVU Multinational Project II at the university.

The AVU is also working with Kenyatta University to offer an online degree program in Applied Computer Science as part of the project activities.

Speaking on behalf of KU Vice Chancellor, the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic), Prof.John Okumu, said KU has had a relationship dating back to 1997 and that the AVU Multinational Project II will further strengthen this relationship and the institutions capacity to offer open, distance, and eLearning programs.

Speaking on behalf of the AVU Rector, the Manager, AVU Academic Programs, Dr. Atieno Adala urged African Universities to make use of ICTs an integral part of teaching and learning if Africa is to attain Millennium Develops Goals and Education for All.

The launch is part of the activities to implement the multinational project funded by the African Development Bank (AfDB). The aim of the project is to strengthen the AVU and its network of institutions to deliver and manage quality ICT integrated education and training opportunities.

The launch at KU followed the successful completion of three major activities: The Policy Harmonization and Curriculum Conceptualization Workshop; The Advisory Committee meeting for Teacher Education and Computer Science programs; and the Computer Science and Teacher Education Curriculum Design Workshop.

During the Policy Harmonization and Curriculum Conceptualization Workshop, which was held, between 9th and 12th July, 2012 in Nairobi Kenya, 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 first meeting for the Advisory Committee for the Teacher Education and Computer Science programs was held 17th and 18th May, 2013 and it preceded the Teacher Education and Computer Science Curriculum Design Workshop which took place from the 20th to 25th May 2013 in Nairobi, Kenya. The Advisory Committee advises on and the implementation of the AVU continent-wide Mathematics and Science Teacher Education and Applied Computer Science.

The project will include technical assistance to countries and universities, enhancing 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. The launch involved raising awareness on the project's activities and expected outcomes as well as enhancing the use of AVU's Open Education Resources.

Twenty one (21) African countries are currently benefiting from the project and these include: nine (9) Francophone countries: Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Democratic Republic of Congo, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Senegal; four (3) Lusophone countries: Cape Verde, Guinea Bissau and Mozambique; and nine (9) Anglophone countries: Gambia, Ghana, Kenya, Namibia, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Sudan, Sudan, and Tanzania.