In various aspects, the education system of the country still lags behind. Online campus is a strange issue in the office of Ministry of Education. There is no legislation framework and technology platform to install online education in the country. The era is a time of information and cutting-edge technology implementation. But we are still in the period of first industrial revolution.
Nevertheless, the global higher education sector the global higher has been dramatically affected as a result of the coronavirus. COVID-19 has called for a new standard for the higher education sector around the globe. Here in Ethiopia too, the pandemic has prevented Lunar International College students from going back to campus. Currently, the college is seeing to the observance of the federal government’s directives of social distancing and closing of educational institutions to save lives. Otherwise, the coronavirus menace will have a devastating effect on the society because of the college.
It is clear to the educational community that crisis knows no boundaries. Lunar International College holds that crisis planning must be an integral part of effective educational leadership.
Online Education which is just as good as Classroom Learning since the past decade or so, has emerged as the finest method of learning. However, online education need not be seen as a replacement for the traditional learning environment rather it should be seen as a set of tools that will allow students to excel and for tutors to maximize their effectiveness.
So, instead of waiting for the end of the pandemic, Lunar International College has decided to shift all the courses online and start teaching as scheduled. In the regard, The Ethiopian Herald has approached Anteneh Ewnetu , the president of Lunar International College, to tell us about the activity of the college and to assess the backwardness of educational system of the country regarding the installation of technological tools for E-learning and online campus. Excerpts;
Herald: Do you think that online campus is necessary to advance more the education service in the country?
Anteneh: Given the difficult Ethiopian landscape, it is crucial to adopt this new technology, which enables us to conduct E-learning and reach the unreachable and the most inaccessible corners of the country. The use of online education in Ethiopia holds great promise for accommodating the needs of Ethiopian students, professionals, and government bureaucrats and employees who live in cities, small towns, and remote areas.
The arrival of the internet will provide us the opportunity to reach remote and inaccessible locations in Ethiopia. Students and professionals in various government and non-governmental organizations who live and work in cities, towns, and remote areas, will get the opportunity to improve their skills and knowledge by taking E-courses. The more educated and skilled professionals we produce, the faster we can develop our economy.
Moreover, it costs less, improves your self-discipline, it is more accessible to teachers, you enjoy the comfort of your home, you can keep your job, it is easier to fit learning into your day, it is easier to focus. And you also learn technical skills.
Herald: What do you think is the reason the online campus has not been implemented here in this country?
Anteneh: There was no legislation for online learning in Ethiopia. But, recently, HERQA develops a draft directive for online programs, and we are waiting for the final directive.
Herald: Tell us about the ongoing online educational service of the college?
Anteneh: Lunar International College (LIC), which was launched in 2019 (2011E.C), envisioned becoming one of the leading business tertiary level institute of academic excellence in teaching-learning, research, publications, and community services in East- Africa while contributing to the development of Ethiopia. LIC currently runs three programs- namely MBA, Project Management, and Finance and investment at the masters level and two programs at first degree level-namely Accounting and Finance and Marketing Management. All our programs are accredited by HERQA.
Currently, LIC is using two platforms, namely- Zoom (for a virtual classroom) and mElimu E-Learning Management System for online learning. The most valuable component of these platforms includes: Conducting virtual class, reviewing video or audiotapes recorded during the virtual class session together with Lecture slides, and interactions with instructors through online tools such as discussion forum, online assignment submission, quiz, or virtual interactions in video conference rooms; reporting positive online experience in terms of enjoying a better view facing own laptop or smartphone than watching a screen in the classroom, not being disturbed by other students around, feeling relax at home, etc. and offering flexibility for students who have work or family responsibilities pace, accelerating their studies if desired.
Herald: Do you have any comment on country’s educational system of higher learning ?
Anteneh: Ethiopia has embarked on a higher education expansion and reform program of impressive dimensions. And this has resulted in the existence of more public and private universities and colleges, established system support agencies, mounted new courses, and tripled enrolments. The reforms have introduced increased institutional autonomy, curriculum revisions, and more.
But, the quality of education in higher institutes should be a big concern. In the last couple of years, we are witnessing a large number of graduates who do not have the required knowledge and skill. If the quality of education at higher institutes is not improved, the economic development of the country will be at risk.
Herald: Could you relate to us about experiences of higher education abroad when it comes to the online educational service?
Anteneh: online education is popular all over the world. Different countries are using online education to provide educational services for citizens who are not able to go to campus. Even in East Africa, Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda are utilizing the online learning platform to provide education at a different level.
Herald: What are the challenges of the not installation of online campus?
Anteneh: There was no legislation for online learning in Ethiopia. Even now, we are using the online platform for COVID-19 crisis management.
Herald: Do you think technological tools are significant to modernize the education system of the country? If yes, brief us about that?
Anteneh: Yes, it must be clear that ICT is a crucial role player in higher education institutions for pedagogical practices. In the Ethiopian Higher Education system, there are movements to integrate ICT into teaching and learning practices. However, the implementation I feel it is inadequate so far. Factors like limited infrastructure, user’s attitude towards ICT, management support, skilled human resources, and policy issues supporting ICT integration are affecting the implementation of ICT in Ethiopian higher education.
Herald: What are the main advantages and disadvantages in pulling off online educational system?
Anteneh: some of the key advantages of online learning are flexibility, convenience, less costly, and self-paced learning. But, online education requires specific computer skills and learning strategies to succeed.
Herald: How do you assess the private-public partnership in the enhancement of private-based educational service?
Anteneh: it has become one of the essential developmental tools, and many countries have also gained significant results by effectively using public-private partnerships in higher education. Moreover, the level of higher education development in Ethiopia provides an extensive opportunity for public-private partnerships.
Herald: At last, you are welcome to convey your message?
Anteneh: believe it or not, there are some massive advantages to online classes, and some of these are obvious while others may have surprising features. It is important to understand that online courses aren’t for everybody. Some people just want the tried-and-true traditional classroom. But online courses offer some unique benefits.
These benefits allow people who might not normally be able to get a degree to attend college. Whether you want to study from the comfort of your bedroom or increase your computer skills, online classes are a fantastic option.
The Ethiopian Herald June 28,2020
BY MEHARI BEYENE
