The new leadership of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology Students’ Representative Council has met the management of the university’s E-Learning Centre to discuss how students use the university’s digital platforms and what improvements are needed.
The meeting brought together SRC President Shakir Is-Haq Waiz, Vice President Justice Atuahene Frimpong, Director of the E-Learning Centre Professor Emmanuel Kofi Akowuah, and Senior Assistant Registrar Abigail Dzama Anderson.
Professor Akowuah began the meeting with a direct question: “When you hear about the E-Learning Centre, what comes to your mind?”
The SRC President responded that most students only associate the Centre with computer-based examinations.
He added that online learning tools on the virtual class platform are mainly used when lecturers insist.
“There are individual classes there. They upload videos and tutorial sessions, and those are helpful. But if lecturers don’t force us, many won’t go there,” he said.
The E-Learning Centre noted that this limited awareness affects how students use the university’s digital learning systems.
According to Professor Akowuah, the Centre supports the entire teaching and learning cycle, not only examinations.
“If you only know us through exams, something is wrong. We do more than that,” he said.
The Director explained that the Centre works with lecturers on course design, digital content, online delivery, practical skills training and the management of learning platforms.
The meeting also discussed the challenge of large class sizes.
They suggested that expanding the use of digital tools, including live-streamed lectures and hybrid delivery, could ease the burden.
Professor Akowuah agreed and said the Centre’s mandate is to support teaching and learning through technology, especially as the university population grows.
“We can’t keep building bigger lecture halls. Technology has to take over the delivery part,” he said.
The SRC leaders admitted they were unaware of several ongoing initiatives, including self-paced digital skills courses, professional development programmes and the Centre’s studio facilities.
“There’s a lot students would use if they knew,” the SRC President said.
The Director said the Centre plans to expand student involvement in innovation activities, exhibitions and hackathons.
“We want to co-create solutions with students. Your colleagues are already building tools we can adopt,” he told them.
He added that the E-Learning Centre will introduce pathways that allow students to finish their degrees with additional professional certifications.
“By the time you leave here, you should have your degree and relevant industry skills,” he said.
The SRC pledged to work with the Centre on communication, visibility and student engagement.
“If students understand the relevance, they will use the platforms,” the SRC Vice President said.
The two parties agreed to schedule follow-up sessions, including a tour of the Centre’s facilities and a podcast recording focused on students’ digital learning needs.
