When universities and other higher education institutions were ordered to close on 18th march 2020 by the government of Uganda, most of the finalists were remaining with a maximum of two months to accomplish their academic journeys which they started from nursery level.
As different institutions still plan on how they implement e-learning guidelines set by National Council of Higher Education, some of the finalists (undergraduate and post graduate) are willing to obey with them as long as they finish their studies. They appealed to their institutions of learning to set up short-term virtual teaching and learning solutions so that they can conclude their final projects and graduate.
Racheal Monica Achen, a final year student of Industrial and Organizational Psychology at Makerere University, raised the need during an e-learning webinar via a Zoom meeting organized by a Belgian development agency identified as Enabel. “I am a final year student who is supposed to do research within a limited time, but ever since COVID, I have not had an interaction with my institution but if course content were uploaded online, we can put up with the speed and be able to submit our research projects in time because e-learning saves time,” said Achen.
“E-learning is the new normal in almost all spheres of life. Our education should unlock the opportunities that come with e-learning, we are now preparing for the future of online school, so we should be given access to university libraries and all the content we need to graduate in time,” Added Jim Kafeero, a third-year student of business administration.
Christelle Jocquet, the Resident Representative of Enabel Uganda, advised that there is need supplement e-learning with face to face. “A mix of face to face and online study. This I believe offers the perfect mix that can enable our learners acquire the education they need to thrive. Though e-learning presents opportunities for the education sector during this time, any solution should be deliberate, planned, user-centred and inclusive,” Jocquet explained.