Implementation of e-learning at UDSM

By Dr. H. TwaakyondoDirector CVL

December 2008

Objectives:

Objective of this presentation is to share with you the following:-

Background and trends of e-learning at UDSM

Educational technology policies, strategies Current Projects and Plans Challenges facing e-learning implementation

Introduction

E-learning can be defined as "using electronic applications and processes to learn. e-learning applications and processes include Web-based learning, computer-based learning, virtual classrooms and digital collaboration. Content is delivered via the Internet, intranet/extranet, audio or video tape, satellite TV, and CD-ROM. ".

In recent years, e-learning has become a policy option for many developed and developing countries including UDSM

Introduction

Why?: The need to meet new learner styles The need to reduce training cost per

students Increased demand of access to Higher

educations.

Admissions at UDSM

Applied Registered % Registered

2002/03 6,171 3,423 55%

2003/04 6,036 3,582 59%

2004/05 8,616 4,264 43%

2005/06 17,164 4,475 26%

2006/07 15,185 7,049 46%Source: UDSM Facts and Figures 2006/2007

Efforts made by UDSM

Improve ICT infrastructure put in place the fiber optic backbone,

networked all UDSM units including the UCLAS / AU and MUCHS/MUHAS

Provision of video conferencing facilities Establishment of several computer labs in all

faculties and some departments connect the University network to the Interne

Efforts made by UDSM

Train end users and technical staff to effectively use and manage the ICT facilities/applications

Establishment of FIVE/CVL Role of CVL---- responsible to spearhead and

coordinate all ODeL oriented activities at the University level.

Structure of CVL

DEAN

(DVC-ACADEMICS)

DIRECTOR

STEERING COMMITTEE

DEPUTY DIRECTOR

COORDINATORUDVLP SECTION

COORDINATOREVLP SECTION

INSTRUCTIONAL DESIGN UNIT (IDU)

DISSEMINATIONUNIT (DDU)

MULTIMEDIA LABORATORY

COORDINATORVLT SECTION

E- learning initiatives at UDSM

activities were observed since 1998 where UDSM embarked on a TEIL programme to integrate ICT in teaching and learning

Blackboard software adopted in 1998 By 2006, approximately 35% of all academic

staff have been trained to use Blackboard

E- learning initiatives at UDSM

Two pilot blended programmes (CCS and PGDE) were launched in 2005.

Other factors considered by UDSM for e-learning delivery includes; Increase bandwidth(7.5 Mbps downlink, 1.5

Mbps uplink) Establishment of wireless access points Establishment of digital library

E- learning initiatives [Collaboration with external Universities] RMIT

Provision of Bsc Computer Provision of Diploma computer Science

Curtin University Provision of BBA Provision opf Diploma in Business

administration Nettel@Africa programme

Through FCM to offer PGD in ICT, policy and regulation

E- learning initiatives at UDSM

Currently, UDSM has adopted Moodle Learning Management System (LMS)

The software has replaced Blackboard, which is a commercial platform.

Moreover UDSM is in process of establishing upcountry e-learning programmes for BBA, PGDE and PGDEM

Mwanza has been chosen as the first ODeL center

Educational technology policies, strategies Efforts to established e-learning operational policy

(draft document in place) UDSM ICT master plan (2007) CVL Strategic Plan in place (2007 – 2012).The

Strategy has five broad areas of concentration; Assist UDSM faculties and affiliated collages on e-

leaning issues Course development for e-delivery. Provision/ delivery of e-programmes LMS Management Research of e-learning developments

Current Projects and Plans

EUCTL Enhancing University Teaching and Learning Capacity through the

ICT- mediated Distance Learning Mode Sponsored by Carnegie Corporation of New York (2007 -2009) Establishment of three distance online programmes

(PGDE,PGDEM and BBA)

CUUEP CREATING UDSM E-CONTENT WAREHOUSE THROUGH E-

PEDAGOGY SPONSERED BY THE WORLD BANK. (2008 -2012) BUILDING OF THREE ODEL CENTRERS DEVELOPMENT OF E-CONTENT FOR THREE PROGRAMMES

Challenges for ODeL Delivery in TZ

Adequacy of ICT Infrastructure Bandwidth barriers (cost) Recognition of e-programmes By TCU Low ICT awareness in the society Reliance of foreign funding Fast technological advancement

Challenges for ODeL Delivery in TZ Financial limitations for the majority of local

investors to enter the ICT arena Negative attitude towards e-learning Limited experts in the field Unavailability of relevant ODeL policies

Conclusion

Sharing knowledge and experience is vital for success of e-learning at UDSM

Best practices and strategies in the area of e-learning should be adopted