Words: Hastings Ndebvu
On May 27 2020, the UbuntuNet Alliance (UA), in partnership with Makere University, organized a webinar on Instructional Design in E-Learning. The webinar, aimed at drilling university and college lecturers and instructors on how to design effective online lessons, was facilitated by e-learning specialist Dr. Michael Walimbwa, from Makerere University in Uganda, and received an overwhelming response from the participants.
The event was the latest in a series of webinars UA is organizing with various international stakeholders and partners to assist universities seamlessly migrate to online teaching and learning during the COVID-19 pandemic that has led to an indefinite closure of university campuses across Africa.
During the webinar, Dr Walimbwa spoke on the systematic approach to designing e-learning materials and content, defining e-learning lesson outcomes, creating e-learning storyboards and assessment among other areas.
Over 110 participants attended the webinar and called on UA to organize more webinars of similar nature to help institutions cope up with the effects of COVID-19 on teaching and learning approaches. This falls within AfricaConnect3’s mission – of which UA is an active implementing partner – to support the improvement of education and research standards across the African continent.
“I am happy being here to gain more knowledge on e-learning. Thanks and kudos to the organisers,” said Oladejo Morufu from Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) in Nigeria.
Dr Tabitha Omol of The Catholic University of Eastern Africa in Kenya said: “I liked that Dr. Walimbwa touched on the topic of assessment in e-learning especially examinations. The issue of examination security is real and a continuous worry for lecturers in my University.”
“Many thanks to the presenter and UbuntuNet Alliance for organizing such a great learning experience. It was educative and I learnt a lot,” said Fransic Eolu from Somesa solutions ltd in Uganda.
