The President of the Technical Universities Teachers Association of Ghana (TUTAG), Dr. Michael Brigandi has stated that the e-learning processes in Ghanaian tertiary institutions during this Coronavirus period might have to be reviewed if the pandemic persists.
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Speaking in an interview with Samuel Eshun on the Happy Morning Show on Happy 98.9FM, he explained that e-learning in tertiary institutions is a “short term measure in anticipation of an early end of the pandemic”. However, if these processes go on for another few months, both teachers and students will be affected.
He explained that even though technical universities are complying with the President’s directives on the use of e-learning, the universities face challenges in terms of the infrastructure put in place before the e-learning process was introduced.
“We, as technical university are complying with the President’s directive to use e-learning. That is not to say that there are no challenges. We needed certain infrastructure in place before the e-learning. But it is a pandemic so it is an emergency situation”, he said.
He added that some students may not have smart phones or access to service providers in their locality.
According to him, both lecturers and students are putting in much efforts to make the process work. However, if it goes on for a long time, both parties might complain as the purchase of data is very expensive.
He made known that platforms such as Google class, Zoom meetings and Whatsapp were being used for the e-learning class.
When quizzed by host Samuel Eshun if technical universities were taking fees before allowing students on the learning platforms, he answered in the negative.
He furthered that to the best of his knowledge, he had not received any complaint of students being asked to pay school fees before joining e-learning platforms.
Following the outbreak of the Coronavirus pandemic in the country, the Government directed that all educational institutions be closed while taking advantage of e-learning processes.
However, the e-learning process in Ghana has been characterized by few challenges such as access to data, among others.
By: Alberta Dorcas N D Armah