The University of Environment and Sustainable Development (UESD), Somanya, Eastern Region, has successfully concluded the final phase of a capacity-building workshop on Learner Support Processes in Open and Distance Learning (ODL), held in collaboration with the Commonwealth of Learning (COL), Canada. The three-day workshop marked the culmination of a comprehensive series of training sessions designed to strengthen UESD’s implementation of ODL.
The workshop aimed to enhance participants’ understanding of learner support mechanisms in ODL, develop effective and context-specific support guidelines, tackle challenges and opportunities unique to Ghana’s ODL landscape, provide staff with practical tools to improve learner support systems, and promote the exchange of best practices among faculty and administrators.
In his opening remarks, Vice-Chancellor Professor Eric Nyarko-Sampson welcomed participants and resource persons, including Professor Ogidan Rotimi from the National Open University of Nigeria. He expressed deep appreciation for Professor Rotimi’s presence and acknowledged a personal connection from his academic journey. The Vice-Chancellor hailed the partnership with COL for its instrumental role in building UESD’s ODL capacity and reflected on previous achievements under the collaboration, including instructional design and course material development, staff training on the Moodle learning management system, and capacity building in online facilitation with a focus on artificial intelligence and inclusive technologies.
He emphasised that the final workshop session focused on the critical area of learner support and expressed confidence in the facilitators—Professor Rotimi and Dr. Felix K. Olakulehin—to guide participants in developing a robust framework for UESD’s ODL programmes. He also encouraged active engagement from all attendees and extended sincere gratitude to COL and Professor Frances Jane Agbu, the COL Coordinator, for their continued support.
Professor Ogidan Rotimi, the lead facilitator, shared his enthusiasm for visiting UESD and commended the University for its strong online presence and growing global recognition. He noted the rich natural and academic potential of the University and stated that the visit was focused on creating impactful learner support guidelines. Drawing on his extensive experience in ODL, including his tenure as Executive Director of the African Council for Distance Education (ACDE), he reiterated his commitment to supporting UESD’s efforts.
Head of the Academic Planning and Quality Assurance Unit (APQA), Dr. Richard Amfo-Otu, who coordinated the workshop, commended the dedication of participants throughout the phases of the training. He affirmed that the insights gained would play a crucial role in shaping the university’s ODL future.
The sessions undertaken in the three-day execersise included: Introduction to ODL and its unique challenges, Understanding Distance Learners and Learners Support in ODL, Key components of effective learner support processes, drafting learner guidelines for the University of Environment and Sustainable Development, Best practices for implementing learner support in ODL and developing an action plan for implementing learner support processes.
The workshop doe not only conclude a vital phase in UESD’s capacity-building efforts but also reinforces the University’s dedication to providing inclusive, high-quality, and accessible education through ODL. As UESD continues to implement its ODL policy, such strategic collaborations will remain central to achieving its vision of academic excellence and sustainability. The participants were issued with certificates at the end of the workshop
By: Agnes Birago Adu Sarpong, University Relations