The KNUST E-Learning Centre has begun its orientation for first-year students, with the first stop at the College of Engineering, where fresh students were introduced to how learning works on the university’s digital platforms.

During the session, students were guided through the KNUST Learning Management System, the virtual classroom, and a mandatory self-paced online course they must complete to prepare for virtual learning.

The session was led by the Director of the KNUST E-Learning Centre, Professor Emmanuel Kofi Akowuah, who told students that university learning goes beyond lecture halls.

“Learning here goes way beyond what you do in the lecture rooms. We take a full view of learning, and we focus on the skills you gather, not only what you are taught in class.” he said.

Professor Akowuah explained that the KNUST E-Learning Centre exists to support students with digital tools they will use throughout their academic journey.

According to him, all first year Engineering students are required to complete a self-paced digital course designed to help them understand how teaching and learning work on the KNUST virtual platforms.

“One of the first things you will do this academic year is to take a self-paced digital learning course. It will help you throughout your four years here.” he said.

The course, which takes about one and a half hours to complete, introduces students to the virtual classroom, how to access lecture materials, submit assignments, and use online collaboration tools.

Professor Akowuah told students not to worry about grades.

“No one is going to grade you. You will not fail.The aim is to equip you with the digital skills you need to survive here.”

He added that students who complete the course will receive a digital certificate, which they can include in their CVs.

“You get your first certificate even before your main degree,” he said.

The E-Learning Centre also used the session to guide students on where to get official information during their time at KNUST.

Professor Akowuah advised students to follow the university’s official online platforms to avoid false information.

“Be mindful of your sources of information. Follow the official university and KNUST E--Learning channels.”

He encouraged students to create LinkedIn accounts and connect with KNUST’s verified pages on platforms such as YouTube, Facebook, X, TikTok and LinkedIn.

The session also highlighted the Centre’s goal of preparing students for work beyond university.

“The world is moving towards digital skills. We want to train professionals, not only academics.” Professor Akowuah said.

He said the Centre is developing professional and industry-focused courses that students from different engineering fields can take alongside their main programmes.

As lectures are set to begin, students were urged to log into the LMS, explore the virtual classroom, and complete the self-paced course as early as possible.

“Go to your virtual class. Everything you need to start will be there.”  Professor Akowuah said.