Kenyatta University has launched its new KU Digital School, looking to address the increased demand for improved higher education e-learning programmes in Kenya.
The KU Digital School will engage learners in programmes in which they have control over the pace and direction of their learning, meaning a teacher is no longer the ‘deliverer’ of knowledge, as the e-learning environment will focus on the learner as the information seeker.
The launch of the KU Digital School, the university said, demonstrates it understands the unique benefits and advantages of digital technology in the education sector.
“Today we live in a technologically-rich nation country where more than ever before, most of us, especially the younger generation are spending more time online, and in more advanced and creative ways,” Professor Olive Mugenda, Kenyatta University’s vice chancellor, said.
“Our e‐learning programmes have the potential to deliver improved services and tools coupled with quality professional support. Our costs are affordable, teachers and students can interact through offline and online forums, thus catering for students’ learning needs.”
“There has been a significant investment in Information and Communications Technology in the education sector which has resulted in technologically‐enhanced teaching and learning approaches,” Dr Fred Matiangi, cabinet secretary at the Ministry of ICT, said.
“KU Digital School will not only allow for a seamless integrated approach to accessing and sharing information but also empower students as they will be able to access quality education anywhere and anytime.”
All newly enrolled students at KU Digital School will be provided with a free Tablet uploaded with registered units. Programmes will run on a trimester cycle, which means students enrolled for the undergraduate programmes will complete their studies within three calendar years.
KU Digital School programmes will combine digital instruction with live tutorials in the Nairobi, Mombasa, Nakuru, Garissa, Kisumu, Kakamega, Embu, Nyeri and Marsabit regional centres. The use of smartphone tablets means students can learn anytime, anywhere without real-time internet access.
Image courtesy of Shutterstock
