At MKU, learning continues and here is how

Mount Kenya University (MKU) students, learning did not stop after the suspension of face-to-face teaching nationwide by the government as a measure against Covid-19.

Elaborate technology has kept them in ‘class’.

That’s because immediately after the government directed that learning institutions be closed, MKU responded by enabling all the regular students to access e-learning resources.

FUTURE OF EDUCATION

The principal of MKU Open and Distance Learning (ODEL) Directorate, Prof Pamela Ochieng, says online education cannot be overlooked these days.

“The future of education lies in embracing online learning to complement traditional classroom learning.”

The university, she asserts, is prepared to enhance the e-learning mode of delivery to not only overcome the current challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic, but also for future delivery of learning through technology.

Prof Ochieng says the university is supporting students so as to complete the delivery of the course material for the current semester.

“We also have e-content and e-library accessible to students off campus to support effective learning,” explains the ODEL principal. “Coursework, including Continuous Assessment Tests (CATs) and assignments, are administered using the ODEL platform.”

Both faculty and students have access to the university e-learning library, digital resources and journals to enhance research and study. Faculty provides support through flexible teaching, learning and online support services.

COLLABORATION WITH TECH GIANTS

MKU, which has been running a digital varsity since July 2010, has teamed up with technology giants to automate learning as well as administrative functions.

Thanks to a collaboration with telecommunication firm Telkom, the MKU ODEL Directorate has issued more than 5,000 4G Telkom SIM cards to all students (both those on the online and the distance and institutional based learning – DIBeL modes).

The SIM cards are loaded with monthly 1GB data to allow students access to learning resources for free.

The university commends the government for approving the use of loon balloons, which will ease internet connectivity even in remote areas, thereby facilitating e-learning everywhere.

MKU has also partnered with the global tech giant Microsoft Corporation as part of an education transformation agreement to promote online education.
Hence, most of the university’s functions supporting education are automated, including customer care services. They enable students to access the university services online.

The teaching staff use both Google virtual classrooms and Microsoft real-time Zoom tools to conduct real-time teaching and assessment of students.

Learners have access to audio-visual lectures and content through a partnership between MKU and TV47 Digital. Lectures for all units are recorded and uploaded online for students to access through an exclusive link in the online teaching platform. TV47 further supplements learning by telecasting lectures, which are also uploaded on YouTube for access by students.

INTERACTIVE SYSTEM

Students and lecturers interact through the university virtual learning management system, which is integrated with an anti-plagiarism software and provides statistics on online class attendance. Hence, lecturers use the data to support and follow up on students.

Students access learning schedules, course outlines, digital lessons, announcements, audio-visual lectures and learning resources online, Online CATS and feedback, before they sit for final examinations.

THE MKU EDGE

Prof Ochieng says MKU’s online teaching and learning is supported by modern ICT infrastructure. This makes online courses and education affordable, accessible and available anywhere and anytime to all.

The elaborate ICT infrastructure comprises integrated students and learning management systems, strong administrative, academic and technical support systems and ultra-modern learning infrastructure that matches global standards.

It also includes the university’s multi-media library, research, and postgraduate section, and faculty that supports teaching and learning.

QUALITY ASSURANCE

MKU’s e-learning platforms are effective in delivering quality education. Students evaluate lecturers online to enhance quality control in line with the university’s quality management policy based on ISO 9001:2015 standard.
Both student and lecturer class attendance are also monitored in real-time. The results are shared with faculty through deans to enhance quality teaching and evaluation.

STUDENT FEEDBACK

MKU students have appreciated the e-learning platforms and have observed that the system saves time and money. With online learning, they can access content anywhere and anytime. The approach also leads to better retention since it is consistent, scalable and personalised.

PROSPECTIVE STUDENTS

Prospective or new students can make inquiries online. They then apply for courses and receive feedback and admission letters online.

They pay the fees and access statements online, access print and audio-visual resources through the students portal and digital learning tutorials online.

They register for the approved units online, access the university faculty, technical and administrative support and learn online through the e-learning management systems.

INTAKES

Annual intakes for e-learning are in January, May and September. Enrolment for Distance, Institution-based and e-Learning (DIBeL) are in April, August and December.

For more information, visit www.mku.ac.ke

MKU DIRECTORATE OF OPEN, DISTANCE AND ELECTRONIC LEARNING (ODEL)
DIGITAL LEARNING COURSES

SNO PROGRAMME

SCHOOL OF BUSINESS AND ECONOMICS
1 Master of Arts in Public Administration and Management
2 Master of Business Administration
3 Master of Science in project Planning and Management
4 Master of Science in Procurement and Supplies Management
5 Postgraduate Diploma in Project Planning and Management
6 Bachelor of Business Management
7 Bachelor of Procurement
8 Bachelor of Commerce
9 Bachelor of Office Management and Administration
10 Bachelor of Arts in Public Administration
11 Diploma in Banking and Finance
12 Diploma in Supplies and Procurement Management
13 Diploma in Human Resource Management
14 Diploma in Business Management
15 Diploma in Project Management
16 Certificate in Banking and Finance
17 Certificate in Business Management
18 Certificate in Human Resource Management
19 Certificate in Supplies and Procurement Management

SCHOOL OF COMPUTING AND INFORMATICS
21 Bachelor of Business Information Technology
22 Bachelor of Science in Information Science
23 Bachelor of Science in Information Technology
24 Bachelor of Business and Information Communication Technology -Kigali

SCHOOL OF EDUCATION
25 Master of Education
26 Postgraduate Diploma in Education
27 Bachelor of Education (Arts)
28 Bachelor of Education in Early Childhood Studies

SCHOOL OF SOCIAL SCIENCES
29 Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology
30 Master of Arts in Development Studies
31 Master of Arts in Governance and Ethics
32 Master of Arts in International Relations and Diplomacy
33 Master of Arts in Law Enforcement and Public Administration
34 Master of Arts in Monitoring and Evaluation
35 Master of Arts in Security Studies and Criminology
36 Master of Arts in Journalism and Media Studies
37 Bachelor of Arts in Mass Media and Communication
38 Bachelor of Arts in Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution
39 Bachelor of Arts in Public Administration and Governance
40 Postgraduate Diploma in Monitoring and Evaluation
41 Bachelor of Social Work and Administration
42 Bachelor of Arts in Security Studies and Criminology
43 Bachelor of Counselling Psychology
44 Bachelor of Arts in Development Studies
45 Bachelor of Arts in Community Development
46 Bachelor of Arts in Justice and Security Studies
47 Diploma in County Administration and Governance
48 Diploma in Community Development and Social Work
49 Diploma in Public Relations and Diplomacy
50 Diploma in Security Studies and Criminology
51 Certificate in Security Studies and Criminology
52 Certificate in Community Development and Social Work

SCHOOL OF HOSPITALITY,TRAVEL AND TOURISM MANAGEMENT
53 Master of Science in Hospitality Management
54 Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management

SCHOOL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
55 Bachelor of Science in Health Records and Information Management

SCHOOL OF NURSING
56 Bachelor of Science in Nursing-Upgrading-Blended Learning

SCHOOL OF PUBLIC HEALTH
57 Master of Public Health in Reproductive Health
58 Master of Public Health (MPH)
59 Master of Science in Community Health and Development
60 Master of Science in Health Systems Management
61 Bachelor of Science in Health Systems Management (BSCHSM)
62 Master of Science in Health Education, Promotion and Development