OAU Moves to Reform E-Learning in Education

Obafemi Awolowo University

Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife is strategising to reform e-learning as next paradigm shift in 21st century education, following the launch of its Centre of Excellence in software engineering recently at the University.

The centre, which was supported by Step-B/World Bank with a grant of $5.6 million has the following facilities: Internet access laboratory, software studio, cloud computing centre, Telepresence, hardware design and software engineering laboratories respectively.

The Nigerian Skye Bank also supported the project with a building worth N180 million.

The facility which is the first of its kind, has the capacity to accommodate about 1200 students per use. The establishment of the centre of excellence in software engineering is expected to solve the challenges of training Science and Technology teachers in the 21st century. If fully utilised the centre is also expected to address paucity of educational software that utilises teaching aids such as simulation, animations and graphics for teaching and learning of science and technology post basic courses. Unveiling the centre recently , the Vice-Chancellor of the University, Prof. Bamitale Omole, told the gathering that the major mission of the University with respect to Information and Communications Technology (ICT), as documented in the Strategic Plan (2010-2015), was to run a cost efficient and effective academic programmes and institutional management.

He said with the facilities at the centre, teachers and students could interact seamlessly without having to be together in the traditional classroom environment.

With most Universities embracing e-learning globally with modern technologies, he disclosed that the mission was to develop ICT to a level such that it would serve as backbone of the university's development strategy in teaching, curriculum development, innovation, research, administration and service.

During the tour of the facilities within the Centre, Head of Department, Computer Science, Prof. Adesola Aderounmu, who doubles as the Vice President, Nigeria Compute Society (NCS), explained that the centre would create enabling environment for imparting knowledge in science and technology using ICT driven, participatory and student centre teaching and learning approaches.

According to him, the goal of the centre was to develop the required local science and technology human resources for the nation's post basic institutions with built-in functional ICT capacity.

Explaining further the benefits of the facilities, he said the telepresence had been equipped with Huawei TP3118 product, which is tri-screen telepresence system with one row of conference tables seating eighteen participants. This, he said, would bring people together in a best ever virtual meeting experience. "Synergy between people creates value, reduces cost and help to stay ahead of competition. Lecture delivery to large class and web conferencing are some of the advantages of using the facilities", Aderounmu said.

According to him, the Cloud Computing environment consists of 7.7 TB cloud server for applications and operating systems and cloud storage of 96TB with 500 virtual terminals. With CaaS as one of the services deployed in the OAU cloud, he added that web conferencing, video communication services, emails among others, would help the academic community in e-learning environment.

A memorandum of understanding was also signed between the University and Chams Plc on technical partnership for development of software applications and solutions.

As a way of ensuring implementation of the memorandum, OAU shall make available office space and work area for the project coordinators and group developers within the university premises while Chams shall provide necessary tools for every developer on the team.