In March this year, all schools were closed to prevent the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic, and all higher learning institutions were urged to continue teaching students using e-learning platforms. For many, Covid-19 has been a time of change, especially in the way we work and study. The lockdown period served as a time of reflection for the whole world, to realise the status of preparedness to cope with the unavoidable current and perhaps, even future pandemics. On December 6, the Minister of Education chaired a virtual meeting with heads of all higher learning institutions and it was resolved that the teaching and learning activities that were implemented remotely (e-learning platforms) were to continue, and those that require face-to-face instruction or practicals be implemented as schools re-open. The evaluation of the application for recognition of remote instruction submitted to the High Education Council (HEC) by some higher learning institutions indicated the existing strengths, best practices and potentials for online or blended mode of learning. However, evaluation reports indicate that although respective institutions have different missions, values and established online platforms, quality education consists of training students to achieve required knowledge, competences and skills at different levels of higher education. Higher learning institutions have resumed teaching and learning activities with different measures and strategies to prevent the spread of Covid-19. The use of online/blended mode of teaching is one of the priorities and key strategies to be implemented, according to education experts. In order to support higher learning institutions, HEC recently organised a pedagogical training for academic staff with focus on pedagogical skills on online teaching and assessment, to enhance the capacity of academic and quality assurance staff and ensure effective online teaching and learning. Understanding e-learning E-Learning is the process of sharing knowledge through various channels such as e-books, CDs, webinars and others. It has revolutionised the conventional method of chalk and board style of learning imparted to students. John Ndamage, a lecturer at University of Kigali, says e-learning education makes learning simpler, creative, and productive. Here, he says, lecturers apply the method of teaching purely through the latest technology. Therefore, teaching and learning becomes simple, easy and more effective. When it comes to its importance, Festus Irungu Ndirangu, a lecturer at Mount Kenya University, says e-learning enables the lecturer and the student to set their own learning pace. Aside from that, the lecture says it also imparts vital time management skills, which is great for those working and at the same time studying. He says online learning enables students to become self-learners, irrespective of their geographical location. “The future of education is with e-learning. However, trainers have to know that e-learning is just transferring the normal teaching to online platforms where most pedagogical approaches applicable in normal learning still apply,” observes Ndirangu. Ndirangu points out that the greatest challenge when it comes to e-learning is keeping students engaged with multiple distractions, practical courses and assessment. Ndamage notes that e-learning also aids in bringing learners and lecturers together—there is a good practice of knowledge sharing followed through different online platforms. “This is important in current times as competition is rising and the world is also growing. Hence, quick information helps in betterment and growth of an individual,” he adds. As schools continue to open gradually, students get to go back to studying on campus, however, e-learning remains essential as we adapt to the ‘new normal’.
