Zetech University upgrades online learning system

Zetech University has in the last five months recorded successful implementation of a blended online learning programme that has seen over 80 percent of its students benefit.

The university adopted virtual learning, investing millions in upgrading its Learning Management System (LMS), training lecturers and awarding students with free data to enable them progress with studies despite the halting of face-to-face learning due to Covid-19.

This progress, which has been lauded by stakeholders, was boosted by the university’s upgrading of its LMS, which initially hosted 1,000 learners, to accommodate over 10,000 students in the Zetech Digital School. The system now provides a robust platform for online studies.

In an ICT Directors’ Webinar by KENET on remote teaching, working and research solutions during the Covid-19 lockdown, it emerged that Zetech was among the top four universities successfully using the KENET platform effectively to provide online learning. Through this partnership, the university has provided free bundles to students in the initiative that has seen over 100,000 mobile numbers white-listed for discounted bundles to facilitate learning.

According to Vice-Chancellor Professor Njenga Munene, Zetech has benchmarked against leading institutions across the world to come up with the right tools for effective online learning.

“At Zetech, we have invested in upgrading our systems, training lecturers, facilitating online exams and providing data to students to enable them to have an unforgettable online experience and graduate at their desired time,” said Prof Munene. He highlighted that the university was grateful for the government’s support in enabling higher education to thrive.

The university leverages on simulations and online videos to teach practical lessons online.

Lauding the uptake of 80 percent of students who enrolled for virtual learning, Zetech Deputy Vice-Chancellor in charge of Academics, Research, Extension and Student Affairs Dr Alice Njuguna, said: “We have embraced a concerted training format which uses different forms, such as live classes through video conferencing platforms, online interactive classes, pre-recorded videos from lecturers and interactive online peer discussions. The experience has been embraced by both learners and their guardians as a very effective way of training.”

She added that the elaborate approach to training had enabled students to undertake their exams online to allow them to graduate on time.

In the upcoming September 2020 intake, the university is encouraging self and government-sponsored students not to waste time waiting for universities to reopen physical campuses to pursue online degrees, diplomas and certificates. They can apply through the university website (https://onapp.zetech.ac.ke/) and enjoying online learning.

Story courtesy of the Daily Nation: https://www.nation.co.ke/kenya/brand-book/zetech-university-upgrades-online-learning-system-1922718