Blended Learning Management Roadmap
Date
2022-10
Authors
Ndung’u, Njuguna
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
African Economic Research Consortium
Abstract
The origins of the African Economic Research Consortium’s BLMS can be traced back
to the JFE and SFSE, which were held annually in person at centralized venues in
Nairobi, Kenya, and at the University of Pretoria, South Africa, for all students enrolled
in the eight CPP degree-awarding universities, seven CMAP Category B universities
and eight CMAAE-accredited network universities. The JFE and SFSE have produced
wonderful results and was praised for contributions towards future collaborations
and Pan-Africanism. However, its unit costs has been quite inhibiting. The Covid-19
global pandemic was the turning point. The decision for a virtual learning platform
was to prevent learning or training shutdowns. This was accompanied with sustainable
unit cost consideration that is now seen as manageable. The AERC switched to fully
online delivery of all its elective courses. Consequently, the CMAAE, CMAP and CPP
elective courses were virtually delivered to students in 2020 and 2021. Given the
desire to maintain a face-to-face component, it would be optimal to have a hybrid
learning module.
The AERC eLearning platform is an interactive and upgraded Moodle-based LMS,
supported by the eLibrary and Zoom platforms to ensure that users have an optimal
learning experience. This enables both students and lecturers to interact through
chats, discussion forums and wikis, and to access learning materials with ease.
The AERC is focussed on making blended learning a success. This roadmap is
underpinned by ideas enshrined in the AERC’s Mission and Vision as outlined in its
2020–2025 Strategic Plan. Blended learning is in line with the theme of ensuring
sustainability, quality and wider reach; that is, AERC training and research activities
will be more inclusive and at lower unit costs. It is, therefore, imperative for all
stakeholders to work together and ensure that the roadmap is fully realized. The
AERC is committed to fully implementing the roadmap by allocating the necessary
resources and supporting all the activities required to realize this vision.