The University of Education (UEW) has responded to the SRC on the Virtual Learning petition
We refer to your letter (SRC/AD/03) dated 16th April, on the above subject matter.The Executive Committee discussed your petition at its meeting held on 17th April and wishes to respond as follows:
- The University’s Grading System
The Executive Committee of the Academic Board discussed this concern and observed that it was a matter of policy which is in enshrined in our policy document on Grade Point Average which is universal in all the Public Universities. To change it would affect the validity of certificates that we issue out. We however, encourage all students to take their studies seriously and partake in all online assessments. That notwithstanding, Lecturers have been advised to be more proactive and practical in their interaction with students online to enable them get the best out of the experience as well as taking cognizance of the current situation with COVID-19 Pandemic.
- Assessment of the Semester Course Work
The Executive Committeethoughtfully consideredthe concern raised and further noted that itis a matter of policy which is not easy to change. It was observed that assessment is an essential part of the University policy which is enshrined in the Students Handbook. However, Lecturers have been encouraged to take into consideration the times in which we find ourselves, to be proactive in all that they do and to be nice to students to enable them get the best out of the online teaching and learning interventions put up by the University.
- Notice of Assessment and Time Duration
The Executive Committee has taken note of this and will issue a circular to all Lecturers to give adequate notice of assessment and time duration of the examination to their students.
- Supplementary Examination For Students at Remote Areas
The Executive Committee thoughtfully discussed this issue and observed that a new academic calendar which was approved by the Executive Committee at its meeting has catered for this.However, students who will be genuinely unable to partake in the scheduled end of semester online examinations will be given the opportunity to partake in the supplementary online examination.
The Executive Committee wishes to encourage all students to make it a point to participate actively in all online lectures, quizzes and end of semester examinations.
- Challenges with the LMS
The Executive Committee also noted that the issue of accessibility to the Learning Management System has already been addressed by Management. The ICT Directorate had rolled out a planned scheduled maintenance which took place on the 16th and 17th April,2020to upgrade the system. There will also be subsequent system maintenance exercises in due course. The aim of this is to make the system easily accessible to all users.
Management has also provided additional user support to smoothen students experiences with the provision of additional helplines, multimedia tutorials and awareness creation on radio programmeswhich are all targeted at students. The Executive Committee therefore, encourages students to make maximum use of these available opportunities whenever they are in difficulty.
Management is also committed to ensuring that all students benefit from this intervention and no student is to be left out. The whitelisting of the University’s Learning Management System on both Vodafone and MTN is an ample demonstration of UEW Managements’ readiness to assist students. This intervention allows students with SIM Cards on the MTN and Vodafone networks to access resources at no cost and participate on the LMS. Other interventions benefitting students would be communicated as and when they become available.
Management however, wishes to commend the Leadership of SRC for the show of maturity in addressing issues relating to the online Intervention put in place by the University.
SIGNED
REGISTRAR