In an era where education must evolve to meet the challenges of a changing world, the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) is leading the charge in transforming how learning is delivered across Ghana.

Through its E-Learning Centre, manned by Professor Eric Appau Asante, KNUST is setting new standards in online and blended learning, making education more accessible, flexible, and impactful.

This story delves into the impact of the KNUST E-Learning Centre on the education landscape and the efforts made by Professor Asante in supporting online teaching and learning.

The story crafted by Clemence Manyukwe, a journalist with University World News, tells how this transformation aligns with the findings of a recent assessment of a three-year blended learning programme implemented by the Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU) across 12 universities in Ghana and Nigeria.

The programme, known as the Partnership for Enhanced and Blended Learning (PEBL) West Africa project, was launched in September 2021 and has been lauded for its success in integrating traditional classroom teaching with innovative online learning activities.

The need for blended learning models

The assessment conducted by the ACU shows the importance of adopting blended learning thresholds and accreditation models that are distinct from traditional teaching programmes. As Pat Onoapoi, senior programme manager for the ACU, pointed out, “Teachers at African universities are experiencing mounting pressures due to rapidly growing student populations combined with academic staff shortages. These factors can adversely affect teaching quality and the student experience.”

In response to these challenges, the PEBL West Africa project has introduced a flexible and innovative approach that combines the best of both worlds, traditional and online education.

Clemence Manyukwe, a journalist, quotes Pat Onoapoi, the senior programme manager for the ACU, who showed the significance of this approach.

“Blended learning offers a promising way to address the challenges of rapidly growing student populations and staff shortages, and the results of our external evaluation show its success.”

KNUST E-Learning Centre: A beacon of innovation

At the heart of this transformation is the KNUST E-Learning Centre, a centre that has become synonymous with innovation in education across Ghana.

Under the leadership of Professor Eric Appau Asante, the Centre has crossed the boundaries of what is possible in online education.

Professor Asante's passion for education and his commitment to leveraging technology for learning has shaped the Centre's success.

His vision goes beyond bringing technology into the classroom.

He has created a system where students and faculty can thrive in a digitally driven society.

The KNUST E-Learning Centre has developed a robust virtual classroom infrastructure that enables students to participate in online classes, submit assignments, engage in group work, and even take exams all from the comfort of their homes.

This virtual learning environment has multimedia tools that enhance the learning experience, making it more interactive and engaging.

Success Stories and Challenges

Clemence Manyukwe, talks about the impact of these efforts.

He writes that it is evident in the testimonies of students who have participated in the PEBL West Africa programme.

Acquah Thompson, the president of the Science Students Association at KNUST, tells how the programme has transformed their learning experience.

“Normally, lecturers schedule these classes so that courses with three credit hours may include a two-hour physical meeting, then we have the one-hour online on a different day,” Thompson said in an interview with University World News.

Thompson also mentioned the advantages of this blended approach, stating that “the disadvantages of the in-person classes are solved by online learning, while the disadvantages of online learning are overcome by in-person learning. PEBL-WA is a very healthy programme for KNUST, especially for students.”

However, Thompson also pointed out some challenges, particularly related to the stability of internet connections, which can sometimes hinder online learning.

“It must be bolstered by strengthening the telecommunications system to enhance online learning,” he added.

Deng Kuol Parmena Aguto, a biochemistry student from South Sudan studying at KNUST through a Mastercard Foundation scholarship, appreciated the flexibility that blended learning offers, especially given his circumstances.

“This approach has allowed for greater flexibility in managing my coursework while still benefiting from face-to-face interactions with professors and peers,” he said.

Despite the advantages, Deng also mentioned the potential drawbacks, such as the isolation that can come with online learning and the technical issues that sometimes arise due to unreliable internet connections.

The Role of National Regulators and Infrastructure

Clemence writes that the success of the PEBL West Africa project and the initiatives by KNUST E-Learning Centre shows the need for broader institutional support.

According to the ACU's evaluation, national regulators must be involved early in the design stage of such programmes to ensure that they align with national educational standards and goals.

“Education policies should aim to set adoption thresholds for blended learning and also create accreditation models distinct from traditional teaching programmes,” Onoapoi says.

She spoke on the importance of collaboration between universities and regulators to define support mechanisms and establish metrics for evaluating blended learning programmes.

Infrastructure also plays a crucial role in the success of blended learning.

The ACU evaluation recommended that the ACU work with IT partners, especially national internet service providers, to address infrastructure issues at universities.

This is particularly important in regions where internet connectivity remains a significant challenge.

Professor Eric Appau Asante: A visionary leader in education

Professor Eric Appau Asante's leadership at the KNUST E-Learning Centre has elevated the standards of learning at KNUST, setting an example for other institutions across West Africa.

Under his guidance, the E-Learning Centre has hosted numerous events and ceremonies that support education.

These initiatives have been widely covered in the media, solidifying the Centre's reputation as a leader in online education.

For instance, the Centre's role in supporting the KNUST Technology Week 2024 was key in showcasing the potential of digital tools in education.

The event showed how technology could be leveraged to enhance learning experiences and bridge the gap between traditional and modern education methods.

A highlight of the Centre's annual calendar is the KNUST E-Learning Week, an event dedicated to celebrating and advancing online education.

This week-long event features workshops, seminars, and interactive sessions focused on the latest developments in e-learning.

Under Professor Asante's guidance, E-Learning Week has become a platform for sharing best practices, exploring new technologies, and fostering collaboration among educators and students.

Professor Asante's leadership has been marked by a series of successful events and ceremonies aimed at promoting educational advancement.

These include workshops, training sessions, and collaborative projects designed to enhance the capabilities of educators and learners alike.

The Future of Blended Learning in West Africa

As the PEBL West Africa project closes in August 2024, its success serves as a hope for the potential of blended learning in transforming education.

The KNUST E-Learning Centre, under the leadership of Professor Eric Appau Asante, has played a role in this transformation

They have demonstrated how technology can be harnessed to create more flexible, accessible, and effective learning environments.

The lessons learned from this programme will undoubtedly shape the future of education in West Africa, as more institutions look to adopt similar models.

With continued investment in infrastructure, collaboration with national regulators, and the visionary leadership of educators like Professor Asante, the future of blended learning in the region looks promising.

Much of the information presented is based on interviews and research conducted by Journalist Clemnce Manyukwe.