The Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology School of Business has begun discussions with the University’s E-Learning Centre to move some postgraduate weekend programmes online through a blended learning model.

A delegation from the School of Business visited the E-Learning Centre to examine how teaching, assessment and student support could be delivered online for weekend students without disrupting existing programme structures.

The School of Business team was led by Dean, Prof. Ahmed Agyapong and included Vice-Dean Prof. Felicity Asiedu-Appiah and School Secretary Mrs. Benedicta Kwakye. They met with the E-Learning Centre’s Director, Prof. Emmanuel Kofi Akowuah, and Senior Assistant Registrar Mrs. Abigail Dzama Anderson.

Discussions focused on combining face-to-face teaching with online delivery. The E-Learning Centre outlined support for live virtual classes, class recordings, course setup and ongoing technical assistance for staff and students.

“We can support your lecturers before, during and after classes. Our team can handle the online setup so lecturers can focus on teaching,” Prof. Akowuah said.

Assessment featured prominently in the talks. The Centre explained how some examinations could be conducted as computer-based tests using secure systems that allow students to sit exams on their own devices under controlled conditions. Item writing and test review were also discussed as part of exam preparation.

“If you want to do computer-based exams, we have a team that supports item writing and test development. We also review the questions and help set up the exams,” Prof. Akowuah said.

Other assessment options, including assignments, rubrics and online quizzes managed through the learning management system, were also presented.

The E-Learning Centre proposed supporting course design by converting selected content into short, self-paced modules that students could complete alongside live weekend sessions.

Discussions also covered a proposed one-hour self-paced career course focused on post-graduation skills.

The School of Business welcomed the support and stressed the need for a clear structure to manage online teaching and assessment.

Both sides agreed to continue working together to define roles, timelines and support requirements as plans for the blended postgraduate weekend programmes progress.

By: Mona Lisa Frimpong