Innovative methods of teaching & learning for UNIRI during and after covid 19.
1.0 Background
Universal Institute of Research and Innovation (UNIRI) was founded to be a leading institute in Africa in the provision of timely, researched and relevant knowledge to address problems confronting society. Therefore, in its mandate to disseminate knowledge and research UNIRI has put in place a number of safe and convenient instructional strategies to be used during and after Covid 19. This is because any credible institution does not rely on only one instructional strategy because of the limitation associated with any single teaching method, the combination of these strategies, compensates for the shortcomings associated with a single teaching strategy. Based on this background and desirous to reach all categories of students, UNIRI has proposed a number of online strategies which will be supplemented by minimal face-to-face teaching. UNIRI is prepared to continue teaching and learning process amidst this disruption caused by COVID 19 by employing a number of innovative instructional strategies that enable students to learn while their good health is assured. In addition to these innovative strategies UNIRI will follow all SOPs recommended by the MOeS and Ministry of Health. Given the fact that no one knows when Uganda will completely cure from this virus, there is need to have mechanisms in place to work and live with the virus. Therefore, the teaching strategies UNIRI has put in place will enable teaching and learning to go on without compromising the health of students, instructors, administrators and anyone else involved. Our strategies guard against any other large-scale disruptions that may bring about total stoppage of teaching and learning process. With these proposed learning strategies, students are not restricted to the four walls of the classroom, students can learn anytime, from anywhere and as often as they like.
2.0 Online learning strategies
It is more than ever clear that open distance and electronic learning is an important element of education and training systems. It has received acceptance within mainstream education and training in such a way that it is now part of our education system. At UNIRI we have instituted an Online Student Learning Management System (LMS). This enables our students to continue learning where ever and whenever they want even when they are not physically present on campus.
2.1 Audio podcasts
In addition to the synchronous and other online text-based learning materials, UNIRI will from time to time prepare podcasts as a supplementary online instructional strategy. Podcasts refer to any learning material that is recorded, edited and uploaded to the internet or any other students’ learning platform so that learners can download it to their electronic learning devices such as laptops, smartphones iPads, tablets or any other MP3 player. These appliances are so pervasive among both students and instructors and quite often used for non-academic purposes. For effective use, all instructors will be trained on how to develop their own audio content following the podcast development guidelines that have been developed. Since most students face challenges of data, once these audio materials are finalised can be sent to students through a number of ways; they can be saved on a memory stick and students can transfer them to their devices, they can also be sent through blue tooth and emails. However, for collaborative learning, the audio content will also be uploaded on our LMS.
2.2 Video podcasts
Video podcasts are filmed lectures that can be uploaded on the internet or any students’ learning platform so that learners can in turn download them to their mobile devices. Video podcasts or vodcasts combine the audio and video components of podcasting. We shall use this type of podcasts majorly for practical based subjects where learners are able to view all kinds of examples and illustrations made by the instructor in the process of teaching and learning. Just like for audio podcasts, instructors will be trained in the production of these video podcasts. The production and consumption of these visual materials are easy as the materials are readily available for example, these video podcasts can easily be viewed on a PC, laptop, smartphone, iPads, tablets or any other MP 3 player. There are also free software on the internet that can be used for the production of these video podcasts. These can also be shared through emails and WhatsApp groups. The two online strategies are preferred among other reasons because they allow synchronous learning where there is a possibility of a group of students to engage in learning at the same time.
3.0 Face-to-face strategies
In addition to the above online teaching and learning strategies, UNIRI has put in place the following face-to-face instructional strategies. These will be used alongside the SOPs recommended by the MEoS in conjunction with the Ministry of Health. These are:
3.1 Cooperative Learning
Cooperative learning is sometimes called small-group learning, it is an instructional strategy in which small groups of students work together on a common task. The task can be as simple as calculating a mathematical number together, or as complex as installing solar for a new kind of infrastructure. For UNIRI we have proposed to have a group of between 3 to 5 students who will be timetabled for different subjects. This group will be closely monitored by the instructor and UNIRI administrators. In addition, students will be required to follow all the SOPs put in place by the Ministry of Health and the government of Uganda.
This type of learning requires that students work together to find new solutions to real problems. It’s one of the best ways to prepare learners for the requirements of the real world. This applies to both young students and experienced professionals.
3.2 Project-based learning
Project-Based Learning is a teaching method in which students gain knowledge and skills by working for an extended period of time to investigate and respond to an authentic, engaging, and complex question, problem, or challenge. For us at UNIRI this method we call it community-based learning, where we shall attach students to community-based projects depending on what they are intending to study and specialize in. Students under this category will for extended time work with and from the community. They will come to the Institute for a short time to attend seminars and workshops. These are mandatory for skill-based professions as they tend to impart the latest knowledge and emerging trends. Today more than ever before, there is a change almost every day, things are getting advanced, new ways of doing things are required day by day and all these cannot be included in the students’ curriculum. This is why UNIRI encourages seminars and workshops so that our students are well prepared to operate in a dynamic and changing society.
For this instructional strategy, UNIRI will timetable and attach to each community project or place of attachment between 3 to 5 students so as to match and comply with the Ministry of Health regulations and guidelines.
NOTE: At UNIRI we combine technology with conventional methods of teaching and learning. The integration of the two methods makes it easier to address various learning styles and preferences among the learners. The presentation of information in multiple ways helps to reinforce comprehension of the content. Hearing something once is a good start, but hearing it, reading it, seeing it, and talking about it is a lot better.
4.0 Conclusion
With the above teaching and learning strategies at UNIRI, we are more than ready to handle the teaching and learning process even during this crisis of Covid 19. We, therefore, ask our partners, parents, students and all other stakeholders to be sure that we are ready to effectively carry out the teaching and learning process.
“Rutindura Rutaraza munda”