More online, mobile learning can help address educational challenges -

Darkwa

Accra, Aug. 15, GNA - Dr. Osei K. Darkwa, Principal of the Ghana Telecom University College (GTUC), on Friday observed that the introduction of more online, mobile and distance learning programmes could help address some challenges inherent in the education system.

He said this would help provide more opportunities to the broad masses of Ghanaians seeking the chance to further their education and enable more people to undertake courses anytime and anywhere. "It is this path that would lead our people to the educational promised land," he added.

Dr Darkwa made the observation at the 2nd Anniversary celebration of the University in Accra under the theme: "Two Years of Great Strides In Innovative Technology Education."

He said taking this path would also facilitate team learning by providing additional online instructional tools to enhance academic work.

To ensure consistency with global trends in education, Dr. Darkwa indicated that the GTUC intended to make their campus a model of the new learning environment where faculty and students would have access to the latest information and communication technologies.

He said the GTUC within two years of existence, had positioned itself as a university of quality and distinction offering programmes of substance to students and professionals.

"We have been able to increase the visibility of the University in Ghana and the world, and have brought sources of new revenue to the college from donors and external agencies."

The Principal said the GTUC had established two faculties for Telecommunications Engineering and Informatics, providing broad-based knowledge in computer science, information technology and information sciences.

The GTUC, he indicated, was also offering professional development courses for private and public organizations.

Dr. Darkwa said the University had therefore attracted students from various countries, providing admission to 100 students from 16 African countries, with a total enrolment of 1,000 students. He said the GTUC also hoped to establish a Centre for Education and Technology in Africa (CETA) as a centralized and shared service facility to provide technology-oriented services to academic institutions interested in moving in the direction of online learning.

Additionally, he said, an alliance was being forged with all the Polytechnics in the country to enable the GTUC to have physical presence in all the regions.

Dr. Darkwa called for partnership from donors and other foundations to help the GTUC in attaining the vision of moving Ghana's education to greater heights.

The occasion was also used to cut the sod for the construction of a classroom complex for 1,000 students and the launch of the University's electronic newsletter and website.

It also inaugurated a videoconference centre, a language centre, a reprographic centre and a students' bus.