The Ministry of Education, Arts and Culture and the Namibian College of Open Learning (Namcol) on Tuesday launched an e-learning project to ensure continued teaching and learning during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond.

In an address delivered on her behalf, Education Minister Anna Nghipondoka said the ministry allocated N.dollars 19,2 million for the development of radio, video and online resources in all Grade 8 to 11 subjects.

The project, which involved about 950 subject matter experts, was spearheaded by Namcol due to its experience in material development.

Nghipondoka said the project has designed 360 radio lessons, 285 video lessons and more than 3 000 notes for internet-based content.

The radio lessons are loaded on both the ministry and Namcol’s websites and are also aired on Namibian Broadcasting Corporation (NBC) radio stations and various community radio stations such as Namcol campus radio and UNAM radio.

“I am informed that discussions are at an advanced stage to broadcast these lessons on other community radio stations in Rundu, Keetmanshoop, Windhoek, Walvis Bay, Swakopmund, Gobabis and Opuwo,” the minister said.

The video lessons meanwhile are accessible via the Namcol and ministry’s websites. The finalisation of an agreement with NBC TV for broadcasting is underway.

“We are fully aware of the challenges our learners face regarding connectivity and information and communication technology infrastructure. We are also aware of the level of ICT skills among our teachers. The ministry, therefore, continues to put measures in place to address the challenges in order to maximise the use of the e-learning resources by our learners and teachers,” Nghipondoka stated.

Namcol Director Dr Heroldt Murangi said the partnership has positively impacted their institution in terms of building the capacity of staff as well as gaining recognition.

“Although Namcol has developed e-resources in the past, this project has topped the list in terms of the number of resources produced within a short period of time,” Murangi said.

Source: Namibia Press Agency