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Momodou
Denmark
11627 Posts |
 Posted - 22 Mar 2011 : 17:25:29
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Congratulations Latjor!
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Online Education (E-Learning) launched in The Gambia
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Gabriel Latjor Ndow, a Science and Technology Consultant and University lecturer, has launched an E-learning programme as a pilot science education research project.
The online educational programme was started in November 2010. According to Mr Ndow, the ongoing effort in The Gambia to leverage ICT as a tool for learning from several quarters hinges on the fact that there are capacity gaps in areas such as resource materials, adequate number of textbooks, teaching materials, and subject experts.
In addition, lecturers may not have enough time in the classroom to encourage learning through interaction (most are overwhelmed) with the students, thus unable to effectively assess their students.
The initial results, he said, are quite promising. "There are many lessons to learn from this experience as it will help future implementers of E-Learning platforms in The Gambia on some of the pitfalls and best methods to ensure a successful and rich learning experience for the learners," Mr Ndow said.
The use of a Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) to supplement the face-to-face classroom learning will certainly improve the quality of students learning. It gives educators the tools to manage and promote learning.
"In addition, lecturers can use it as their platform to augment face-to-face courses (known as blended learning)," he said. "The use of the activity modules (such as forums, databases and wikis) is to build rich collaborative communities of learning around subject matter. It is also an effective way to deliver content to students and assess learning using assignments or quizzes."
The pilot courses online are Calculus, Fundamentals of Physics, Electromagnetic Theory I and II, and Web Programming I. These courses are done by students ranging from 1st to 4th year university students.
The project is hosted on this website: edu.gambian.com. More than 100 university students are enrolled in this pilot programme.
For more information, contact Gabriel Latjor Ndow, E-Mail: glndow2@gmail.com , Mob: 7032795.
Source: The Point
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A clear conscience fears no accusation - proverb from Sierra Leone |
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toubab1020
12306 Posts |
Posted - 22 Mar 2011 : 18:13:43
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What a great idea,only one thing bothers me,and that is a concern to all of us,
How much will this cost me for the course ?
No mention of that anywhere on the edu.gambian website
Gabriel Latjor Ndow,is a a very educated man and is not likely to give his expertise for free
Being a student these days is expensive,can Gambian students afford the "fees" ?
Are there any "grants" available from the Gambian Education Department ?
Or any overseas charities or international organisations for that matter.
The courses do appear to be very specialised:
"Calculus, Fundamentals of Physics, Electromagnetic Theory I and II, and Web Programming I. These courses are done by students ranging from 1st to 4th year university students."
Maybe others will take up the challenge of offering e courses perhaps in much needed skills,such as, Block laying,plumbing,electricians,companies like TAF construction would benefit by having better trained people to offer jobs to.
Domestic/Hotel service industries and cooks would also benefit from courses. |
"Simple is good" & I strongly dislike politics. You cannot defend the indefensible.
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Edited by - toubab1020 on 22 Mar 2011 18:21:27 |
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Momodou
Denmark
11627 Posts |
Posted - 25 Mar 2011 : 08:44:20
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Toubab,
Here is a response to you regarding your questions above. The contact address is there for you or anyone interested in contacting Latjor.
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I read the comment posted and the questions raised are quite pertinent.
The online pilot program is a free service I am offering to my students at the university. Of course the students enrolled in my courses are registered/enrolled with the university. Whatever fees they pay would only be their matriculation fees with the university, and not with this online service. As the press release stated, this is a pilot research program to help obtain reliable data on the best methodologies/tools to use to run an e-learning program successfully in The Gambia, given the many constraints we have here. Expanding the program to reach a wider community is certainly part of the plans. We are certainly interested in any outside assistance.
Latjor
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A clear conscience fears no accusation - proverb from Sierra Leone |
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toubab1020
12306 Posts |
Posted - 25 Mar 2011 : 10:32:49
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Momodou,thanks for that,I hope your friend understands that I was not critising his efforts in E learning only making observations on the published information that he has now clarified,he is obviously fully aware of funding problems that exist should the e learning programme be able to be expanded,he is in a very good position to coordinate and be the focal point for any assistance that may be forthcoming and I am sure that this expansion could be forthcoming,it will of course need the backing of the administration and the help of those in Gambia who can donate resources, maybe free internet use, set up cafes in remote areas of the country in order that local youths can develop skills that are needed.
Gambia is already quite advanced in fibre optic networks which are the optimium way to transmit data fast,video streaming and advanced graphics are ideally suited to e learning.
The "Back to the land" thinking is important in this regard as farmers can be given up to date information on the latest developments in seed planting availability etc.
The e learning project I can see as becoming VERY big in Gambia in the near future it just wants resources and drive from those in the country who wish to see the Gambian people make a better life for themselves and develop the nation. |
"Simple is good" & I strongly dislike politics. You cannot defend the indefensible.
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turk
USA
3356 Posts |
Posted - 25 Mar 2011 : 12:01:42
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| Great. |
diaspora! Too many Chiefs and Very Few Indians.
Halifa Salah: PDOIS is however realistic. It is fully aware that the Gambian voters are yet to reach a level of political consciousness that they rely on to vote on the basis of Principles, policies and programmes and practices. |
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