Following President Museveni’s directive to close universities for one more month for finalists, the Makerere University Council has resolved that e-learning systems should be automated in a bid to facilitate long distance learning.
The government had earlier decided to allow finalists resume studies with effect from June 4th but it was later cancelled over health concerns. During a council meeting held on Tuesday June 2nd, Lorna Magara, the Makerere University Council Chairperson instructed the management to issue a detailed plan concerning e-learning.
According to Magara, the COVID-19 period has exposed the urgent need for the automation and digitalization of systems to ensure continuation of learning remotely.
“These times have exposed the urgent need for the automation and digitalization of our systems. Over the last year , Council has repeatedly instructed management to begin the planning and effecting of these changes. Council has however not got any feedback on this critical matter. If the automation had been implemented as instructed, we would have been better positioned to make the transition much more effectively,” Magara said during the Council meeting.
Both finalists and continuing students are expected to utilize the e-learning platforms once it is full operational. Magara further urged management to give a detailed plan on the same matter.
“Unless we focus our energies on the automation of all our systems and develop the capacity for e-learning and/or blend learning, we will be rendered absolute. Management is therefore instructed to give a detailed plan of action with definite measurable targets to Council in the next meeting,” Magara added.
It remains unclear when universities will re-open but Campus Bee has further established that the next Makerere University Council meeting is slated for June 8th, a day when the management is expected to give their plan on e-learning.
