University Leadership Engagement Workshop.jpg

University Leadership Engagement Workshop

by with No Comment Workshops
University Leadership Engagement Workshop.jpg

Overview

The e-SHE project team organized the University Leadership Engagement Workshop event on August 25 and 26, 2023. The event consisted of a welcoming dinner, the university leadership engagement workshop, a resource center universities quarterly meeting, an academic vice presidents business dinner, and the signing of a tripartite MoU.

The events brought together representatives from the Ministry of Education (MoE), Shayashone PLC, Arizona State University, and the five resource center universities.

Discussions focused on the implementation of e-learning in Ethiopian higher education institutions, with participants sharing their experiences, challenges, and recommendations.

Welcoming Dinner

The welcoming dinner was held on the evening of August 24, 2023. The project team undertook networking and team introduction activities. They also distributed promotional material (brochures, notebooks, business card holders) and briefed the guests about the event.

University Leadership Engagement Workshop

The workshop was held on August 25 and 26, 2023. Participants included the senior leadership of the MoE, presidents, vice presidents, academic vice presidents, as well as ICT directors and e-learning coordinators of universities, and the e-SHE project team members.

Resource Center Universities Quarterly Meeting

The quarterly meeting of the resource center universities was held on August 26, 2023. The ICT directors and e-learning coordinators of four of the five resource center universities (Jimma, Addis Ababa, Dire Dawa, and Hawassa) discussed the Quarter 2 progress review, (plan, result, and lessons learned) and Quarter 3 and Quarter 4 planning (plan, potential challenges, and key interventions needed) for each thematic area with the project team.

Academic Vice Presidents Business Dinner

The business dinner was held on August 26, 2023. Yared Sertse from the e-SHE team presented the five-year and year 2 e-SHE targets, human resource development indices for cluster-lead universities, human resource development progression scorecard, and major challenges and call for action to the Academic Vice Presidents (AVPs).

Tripartite MoU Signing

The tripartite MoU was signed between the Ministry of Education, Shayashone PLC, and the five resource center universities on August 25, 2023. The MoU established five multimedia studies in each university as a milestone platform to produce digital education content.

Conclusion

Key outcomes included the identification of priority areas for collaboration, the development of an e-learning policy and guidelines, and the signing of a tripartite MoU to establish five multimedia studios in each resource center university.

Overall, the events provided a platform for stakeholders to engage in dialogue and work towards the common goal of improving access to quality education through e-learning in Ethiopia.

National e-Learing Policy and Institutional Guideline Validation Workshop Photo

National e-Learning Policy and Institutional Guideline Validation Workshop

by with No Comment Workshops
National e-Learing Policy and Institutional Guideline Validation Workshop Photo

Introduction

A two-day workshop on e-learning and digital education was recently conducted in Ethiopia, bringing together educators, policymakers, and experts to explore the potential of technology in transforming the country’s education system. The workshop aimed to support ongoing educational reforms and foster a deeper understanding of e-learning initiatives within Ethiopia.

 

Registration and Self Introduction

The workshop commenced with participants introducing themselves and their respective organizations. This provided an opportunity for attendees to familiarize themselves with one another and establish connections for future collaborations.

Keynote Speech

The event featured keynote speakers who delivered insightful speeches on the pivotal role of technology in revolutionizing education and meeting the evolving socio-economic demands of the 21st century. Emphasizing the need for digital technologies in education, the speakers highlighted the significance of personalized learning, mobile devices, and blended learning approaches.

Presentations and Discussion

A series of presentations were delivered, covering topics such as the e-SHE intervention, national e-learning policies, e-learning institutional guidelines, and a baseline study. These presentations served as a foundation for in-depth discussions on various aspects of e-learning, including governance, infrastructure, quality assurance, and resource sharing. Participants actively engaged in these discussions, exchanging ideas and experiences to foster a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities associated with implementing e-learning initiatives.

The Role of Various Stakeholders

Group discussions focused on delineating the roles and responsibilities of different stakeholders in sustaining e-learning initiatives. Participants shared their perspectives on the involvement of policymakers, educational institutions, technology providers, and the private sector in driving the successful implementation of e-learning programs. The aim was to establish a collaborative framework that would leverage the strengths of each stakeholder to maximize the impact of e-learning in Ethiopia.

Emerging Issues and Solutions

Throughout the workshop, participants raised pertinent questions and provided valuable feedback on crucial aspects such as governance, financing, data security, accountability, and standardization in e-learning. These discussions shed light on the challenges faced by the Ethiopian education system in adopting digital technologies effectively. In response, the consultants leading the workshop committed to compiling the participants’ comments and proposing potential solutions to address these emerging issues.

The Way Forward

To ensure the sustained progress of e-learning initiatives in Ethiopia, the workshop concluded with the decision to establish a national e-learning think tank. This think tank would serve as a platform for ongoing collaboration, research, and guidance in the field of e-learning. Additionally, participants discussed the specific roles and responsibilities of stakeholders in implementing e-learning strategies effectively, thereby charting a clear path forward for the integration of digital technologies in Ethiopian education.

Conclusion

The workshop on e-learning and digital education in Ethiopia proved to be a significant step towards embracing technological advancements in the country’s education sector. By bringing together key stakeholders, fostering discussions, and identifying key challenges and potential solutions, the workshop laid the groundwork for a comprehensive and sustainable approach to e-learning implementation. With a focus on collaboration and innovation, Ethiopia is poised to leverage technology to enhance access, quality, and effectiveness in education, ensuring a brighter future for its students.

The full comprehensive report on the National e-Learning Policy and Institutional Guideline Validation Workshop is available for download below.

Download Report