By Aulah Najjuuka
In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, Uganda Christian University (UCU) emerged as a leader in digital education. The global health crisis in 2020 forced educational institutions worldwide to close their doors, but UCU was uniquely prepared to continue its mission of providing quality education through its well-established e-learning programme.
Long before the pandemic, UCU had already embraced te-learning. According to Richard Ssekitoleko, the seeds of this innovative approach were sown in 2016 when five visionary faculty members from UCU participated in virtual instruction training in Muranga, Kenya. These educators came from various faculties, demonstrating a university-wide commitment to enhancing educational quality and accessibility through digital means.
This early adoption was not merely a response to emerging technologies but a strategic decision aimed at improving the educational experience. UCU’s proactive stance ensured that when the pandemic struck, the university was well-positioned to transition to online learning smoothly. Unlike many institutions that were caught off guard, UCU maintained its academic schedule, allowing students to continue their studies uninterrupted and graduate on time.
Despite being ahead of the curve, the shift to a fully online environment was not without its challenges. As shared by Ssekitoleko who was an intern at the E-learning department at the time, the university needed to acquire sophisticated software to manage data effectively, considering the varied hardware capabilities of students and faculty, which ranged from smartphones to computers. Comprehensive training sessions were conducted to equip both teachers and students with the necessary skills to navigate this new digital landscape.
Another problem that was encountered was bandwidth restrictions. This made it difficult for lecturers to upload videos and other teaching materials. Students often had to email their completed assignments as attachments, leading to issues like lost marks. However, the dedicated team at UCU, including notable figures such as Rev. Dr. Jessica Hughes, worked tirelessly to overcome these obstacles. Their efforts were particularly crucial after the tragic loss of then-manager Dorothy Mukasa to COVID-19. Her vision and hard work laid the foundation for UCU’s e-learning framework, a legacy that her colleagues continue to build upon.
Mr. Martin Kabanda, the current manager of the e-learning department, praised Mukasa’s contributions, describing her as a “dream chaser” who bridged the gap between traditional and online education.
Ssekitoleko, an eLearning technical specialist at UCU, echoed this sentiment, highlighting Mukasa’s ambition and the profound impact she had on establishing a robust e-learning system at the university.
The transition to e-learning brought numerous benefits. One of the most significant advantages is the unmatched flexibility it offers. Students can access course materials and complete assignments at their convenience, which is a boon for those balancing other responsibilities such as part-time work or family obligations. This flexibility has made learning more accessible to students from all walks of life.
Omar Nanima, a soon-to-be graduate, recounted his experience, noting how the flexibility of UCU’s e-learning platform allowed him to complete law school on time despite the disruptions caused by the pandemic. ”Having started my education at UCU during the pandemic, I was worried that I wouldn’t be able to finish my law degree on time but with online lectures, exams and tutoring it has been possible,” he noted.
Personalised learning is another key benefit. Advanced learning management systems like Moodle and Alpha App enable teachers to monitor students’ progress in real-time and provide tailored feedback and support. This data-driven approach helps identify areas where students may be struggling, allowing for timely interventions.
E-learning also fosters increased participation through interactive components such as discussion forums, multimedia content, and live virtual classes. These elements make learning more dynamic and engaging.
However, e-learning is not without its disadvantages. The digital divide remains a significant issue, as students with limited access to reliable internet connections and modern devices can find themselves at a disadvantage. To deal with that, “UCU has provided campus-wide wifi and functional computers in the library and at E-learning centers to enable students access online classes even when they don’t own the needed gadgets,” Mr. Kabanda explained.
Another challenge is the requirement for students to pay 50% of their tuition and clear with the Accounts and Academics offices to access Moodle and the Alpha App. This policy, though necessary for administrative reasons, can hinder students facing financial difficulties.
“Students not being able to access Alpha and Moodle apps is usually a result of them delaying to register and here we train students to be compliant individuals so that they don’t face criticism when they go to the job world,” Ssekitoleko explained.
Reduced social interaction is another concern. Traditional classrooms offer face-to-face interactions that are crucial for developing communication skills and fostering a sense of community. While virtual platforms can mimic some aspects of this interaction, they cannot fully replicate the spontaneous and organic conversations that occur in a physical classroom.
Despite these challenges, the pandemic has highlighted the resilience and adaptability of e-learning. Mr. Kabanda emphasised that embracing technology is essential for staying competitive in education. UCU’s early adoption and proactive strategies have positioned it as a leader in digital education in Uganda and beyond.
“As UCU, we are working towards creating a more digitised education experience for our students through the “Campus Transformation Initiative,” which we have envisioned that by the time we are done we will have fully digitalised campus services to enhance educational outcomes,” he said.
The achievements of UCU through e-learning are substantial. The university has expanded access to education, reaching a wider audience, including international students and those in remote areas. The flexibility of e-learning has accommodated diverse lifestyles and commitments, while the adoption of innovative teaching methods has enriched the overall learning experience. UCU’s robust e-learning infrastructure has ensured educational continuity during crises, contributing to the university’s sustainability efforts and global recognition.
UCU’s journey with e-learning is a testament to the power of innovation and resilience in education. By embracing digital transformation early on, UCU not only weathered the storm of the pandemic but also emerged stronger, setting a benchmark for other institutions to follow. As the benefits of e-learning continue to unfold, UCU intends to continue working towards providing a fully equipped E-learning experience to its students.
