On September 30th, 2020, the National Council of Higher Education (NCHE) approved the adoption of the Emergency ODeL system for all Clarke International University (CIU) programs valid for the duration of the COVID-19 crisis as will be determined by relevant authorities. Clarke International University sees ODeL as an integral part of the innovative strategies for structuring and delivering quality education, more specifically during the COVID-19 pandemic where higher education institutions (HEIs) are not allowed to operate the traditional face-to-face modalities of learning.
According to the Vice Chancellor of CIU, Dr. Rose Clarke Nanyonga, this approach is part of a broader focus on fostering continuity and building capacity and infrastructure to sustainably deliver education and training as laid out by the NCHE Guidelines (NCHE, 2020). “The University has established an enabling ODeL policy which seeks to resolve may areas of uncertainty and provide strong support for the progressive implementation ODeL strategies as indispensable and integral components of our teaching and learning, student engagement, assessment and research and innovation,” Dr Nanyonga, in a memo, said.
She added: “We hope to leverage CIU’s experience of eLearning which has been used to deliver various approved graduate programs by NCHE since 2008 including master’s in public health (MPH) as well as master’s in health services management (MHSM). Emergency ODeL strategies will bolster CIU’s ability to ensure that all of our programmes fully exploit the advantages of ODeLand deliver learning opportunities with the required rigor, coherence, and effective student support.”
The VC further went ahead to invite all students, teaching faculty, administrators and staff to embrace the goals of ODeL for all and continue to champion excellence at CIU. “ODeL provides a mechanism for delivery of quality instruction through distance and electronic technology to enable students to attain their educational goals. The university also hopes to acquire and support appropriate emerging technologies for curricular, instructional and administrative enhancement consistent with the CIU strategic initiatives,” the VC emphasized.
Instructional/Learning Service Goal
Through ODeL strategies, CIU will provide online learning environments that foster change and transformation for CIU students; are not bound by the constraints of time and place; are collaborative and creative with open, distance and electronic delivery; are driven by learner needs; have measurable, predictable outcomes; provide quality online courses comparable to traditional face-to-face delivery; and engage learners in an active mode.
Student Support/Service Goals
Through ODeL strategies, CIU will strive to develop, modify, and improve procedures for providing satisfactory support services to distance learners in areas of assessment, admissions, registration, counselling, library services, and student mentoring/advising using such means as: the CIU customized ODeL Learning Management System, Email, Telephone, Web pages, Virtual-face-to-face interactions via zoom, google hangouts and discussion forums.
Faculty/Human Resources Goals
CIU will provide training that demands the highest professional teaching standards for teaching online; encourages continuing professional development and technology training among faculty and administrators; and recognizes the importance of faculty participation in the institution’s ODeL programs.
