The Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) is taking proactive steps to bridge the digital gap in tertiary education through its E-Learning Center, as the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) marks the International Day of Digital Learning on March 19. Recognizing the significance of equitable access to digital resources for academic advancement, KNUST has allocated $1.3 million towards the establishment of an advanced e-learning facility, coupled with an additional ¢17 million investment in multimedia blended teaching equipment.
The initiative aims to provide inclusive learning opportunities for all students, irrespective of their location or background, aligning with UNESCO’s mandate to promote sustainable development goals, particularly SDG 4. The E-Learning Center offers various online educational tools and resources, including online examinations, interactive classes, and asynchronous courses, to ensure students have access to quality instructional materials.
Moreover, the center provides digital literacy training to both faculty members and students, enhancing their proficiency in navigating virtual learning platforms. Director of the E-Learning Center, Prof. Eric Appau Asante, emphasizes that digital learning complements traditional classroom teaching, offering flexibility and self-paced learning opportunities.
Furthermore, KNUST’s commitment to digital inclusion extends beyond its campus, with the center collaborating with organizations like the Mastercard Foundation and the Association of Commonwealth Universities to enhance online education nationwide. The university’s efforts to bridge the digital gap are bolstered by initiatives such as the Vice-Chancellor’s Support One Needy Student with One Laptop project, which has provided over 1,397 laptops to needy students since its inception.
These initiatives underscore KNUST’s dedication to fostering an environment of equal educational opportunities for all students. As UNESCO prioritizes equipping teachers and learners with digital skills and guiding public policy, KNUST remains at the forefront of shaping inclusive policies and programs in the digital ecosystem, ensuring that technology serves education effectively.
Through collaborative efforts and innovative solutions, KNUST continues to champion digital inclusion, empowering students to thrive in the digital educational landscape.