Education
Research shows need for training of staff and students on online learning
Learners were found to be unsatisfied with Blended learning pedagogy
Education is no longer just about putting pen to paper and memorizing facts. Today, innovative educators in higher education are improving learning through technology, as evidenced by the rapid adoption of technology-assisted teaching methods and blended learning (BL) models.
Blended learning integrates technology and digital media with traditional instructor-led classroom activities, giving students more flexibility to customize their learning experiences.
Although Blended learning has existed in Makerere University since 1991 in the Department of Open and Distance learning, this mode of teaching only recently became common place owing to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Following the Covid-19 lockdown, which resulted in the closure of the education sector, Makerere University was forced to adopt emergency Online and Distance e-learning (ODeL). The university since 2019 has adopted blended learning across all disciplines in the university.
The power of blended learning methods, however, lies in their ability to improve the student experience. It is against this background that a team of researchers set out to evaluate blended learning at Makerere University. Led by Arthur Mugisha, the Principal Investigator, the team set out to study how students understood the blended learning pedagogy, how they used BL during the pandemic, how respondents found BL, peer’s opinions on BL excitement and how BL could be made more exciting.
The study conducted for from December 2021 until July 2022 showed that 66% of the students/ respondents claimed to have a clear understanding of BL pedagogy to be a mixture of face to face and online modes of teaching and learning.
However, only 36% of the respondents found BL to be exciting due to: the flexibility and convenience it brings in the learning, the opportunity to be exposed to new learning technologies like zoom, reduced transport-accommodation-meal costs and disease spread, self-paced learning through downloaded materials, act of bringing the University closer to the communities and competence-based learning leading to promotion at places of work and unfortunately the ability to cheat exams.
The other percentage of 64% was not excited about BL because of the challenges it posed such as; consumption of data, poor network connectivity, length of exams (more than 24 hours), absence of a clear timetable, system failures and technology illiteracy among other things.
The students made some suggestions which they hope will make BL more exciting. These include a zero-rated system, upgrading the MUELE system (Makerere University E-learning Environment) and training for lecturers and students among other things.
The research team also evaluated the readiness of learners for BL pedagogy as well as the forms of learner support received. Only about 42% reported to have received training on the use of online platforms while 19% reported having received financial assistance, data/Wi-Fi and study gadgets from friends and relatives.
Research also showed that 51% of the respondents were and are ready to take on BL for continuity while 49% were skeptical and critical making them reluctant to embrace BL
An evaluation of the use of MUELE showed that 82.5% of the respondents found it difficult to navigate the teaching platform. About 98.5% could not join a group on MUELE. The students reported that they did not find the platform user friendly. This, Mr Arthur Mugisha said, calls for some changes on the learning platform.
Learners were found to be unsatisfied with Blended learning pedagogy.
Over 90% of the students reported not to have received guidance from their lecturers while also feedback on coursework submitted was also slow. It was also noted that majority of the students that required practical/ clinical experiences never received them during the online learning. Results showed that about 80% of the students were disappointed with the online examination system.
Some of the challenges identified with Blended learning are listed in the table below.
| BL challenges during Covid-19 | Frequency | Percentage |
| High cost of data | 231 | 29.6% |
| Poor network | 218 | 27.9% |
| No or little practical sessions | 42 | 5.4% |
| Acquisition of learning devices and their functionality | 41 | 5.2% |
| Other interruptions in environment | 41 | 5.2% |
| Difficulty in accessing MUELE | 40 | 5.1% |
| Limited screen sharing by lecturers | 37 | 4.7% |
| System inefficiencies | 33 | 4.2% |
| Unreliable power/electricity supply | 30 | 3.8% |
| Lack of a clear timetable to follow | 21 | 2.7% |
| Poor communication/misinformation | 19 | 2.4% |
| Unnecessary movements-staggered reporting with associated costs | 10 | 1.3% |
| Disruptions from unmuted Microphones | 8 | 1.0% |
| Virus leading to jamming and hanging | 4 | 0.5% |
| Less time during exams/inconsistencies in timing | 3 | 0.4% |
| Low motivation for online study | 2 | 0.3% |
| Phishing or frequent adverts | 1 | 0.1% |
| Total | 781 | 100% |
The learners also identified some possible solutions to the challenges. These include;
| Potential solutions to BL challenges | Frequency | Percentage |
| Reduce data costs | 166 | 31.9% |
| Go back to face-to-face | 107 | 20.5% |
| Stabilise internet or network connectivity | 69 | 13.2% |
| MUELE system improvement/upgrade | 50 | 9.6% |
| Provide compliant learning gadgets | 27 | 5.2% |
| Lecturers should fully be available online | 24 | 4.6% |
| Improve learner support systems | 22 | 4.2% |
| Provide more flexible time tabling | 13 | 2.5% |
| BL is good except for practicals | 12 | 2.3% |
| Explore other platforms beyond MUELE | 6 | 1.2% |
| Create central information repositories | 6 | 1.2% |
| Provide reliable alternative power sources | 6 | 1.2% |
| Host should regulated unmuted microphones | 4 | 0.8% |
| Consult students during decision making | 4 | 0.8% |
| Provide more time to submit online exams | 3 | 0.6% |
| Create BL regional centres of Excellence | 2 | 0.4% |
| Total | 521 | 100.0% |
The research study recommended BL must be practiced but also improved. Other recommendations include;
- Once practiced, BL should cut cross both academic and non-academic units of the University.
- Top Makerere University management needs to take interest in adequately financing and staffing the Institute of Open, Distance and eLearning
- On ensuring number 3 above, there is need to attach ODeL specialists (champions) to each of the University units with clear terms of reference.
- It is hoped that in the near future regional BL centres of excellence will be created and specialists attached to support off-campus BL activities.
- In regard to regional BL centres of excellence, subsidising players who provide alternatives to hydro power to ensure that the remotest of learners is able to participate in BL.
- Introduce a basic BL course for both lecturers and learners
- Promote the Bring-Your-Own-Device approach for sustainability. Communicate it to the students’ community, parents and/or sponsors
While speaking during the dissemination workshop, NCHE director of Quality Assurance, Dr Pius Achang who represented the Ed of NCHE, Prof. Mary Okwakol, called on Makerere University to extend support to other institutions of learning because “while NCHE rolled out e-learning, acceptability has been hard”. He hoped that the findings of the research will inform policy on blended learning.
On his part, the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Finance and administration) Prof. Henry Alinaitwe, who represented the VC called for continued training of both staff and students in an effort to improve BL uptake. He called on CEES to offer training to all staff inform of teacher training for many lecturers have no teacher training experience.
The Principal of CEES, Prof. Anthony Muwagga Mugagga, called on the government to fund the evaluation of blended learning across the country. The government called on the College of education to support e-learning during the lockdown so it is important that an evaluation of that mode of teaching be done. He thanked the government of Uganda for its continued support to research as the university moves towards becoming a research-led institution. Prof. Mugagga called on the Ministry of Education and Sports to support the collect with ICT equipment as well as support he IODEL centre so that it can offer training in BL across the country.
He called for uptake of digital technologies but also warned against its dangers such as spread of pornographic materials.
The Director of IODel, Prof. Paul Muyinda Birevu, noted that a similar evaluation among teaching staff had been done so it was important for the team to evaluate the students’ uptake and affordances of blended learning.
Dr. Stephen Wandera, from MakRIF congratulated the project team upon winning the grant and successfully disseminating the findings. He called on the improvement of MUELE to make it for interactive for both staff and students. He encouraged the PI to offer some policy guidance on Blended learning.
PROJECT TEAM
- Arthur Mugisha
- Prof. Paul Birevu Muyinda
- Dr. Joshua Bateeze _ KCCA
- Dr. Harriet Najjemba
- Dr. Robert Ayine- NCHE
- Prof. Jessica Norah Aguti – Busitema University
Project Admin
Rose Akanya
The U.S Ambassador to Uganda William W. Popp, has called on institutions of higher learning to groom and shape active citizens. The ambassador was delivering a keynote address at the Annual Prof. William Senteza Kajubi Fulbright Memorial Lecture, held on Thursday October 3, 2024 at Makerere University’s Yusuf Lule Auditorium.
“Higher education is not just about earning degrees; it is about cultivating the skills and values that create active, engaged citizens who can contribute to a better world,” H.E. William W. Popp said.
Ambassador Popp emphasized the crucial role universities play in nurturing responsible citizens. By fostering debate, advocacy and governance participation, universities equip students with the tools needed for leadership in their communities and beyond. “Universities are essential for promoting civic participation, critical thinking, and informed citizenship—key components of a healthy democracy. A vibrant democracy relies on citizens who can engage constructively and peacefully with each other and their leaders,” he explained.
He elaborated on how universities contribute to civic education by offering courses in disciplines like political science, history, and sociology. These programs inform students about democratic systems, civil rights, and global issues, while also providing platforms for interaction with current and former political leaders, he said.
Ambassador Popp highlighted the importance of fostering critical thinking and debate. “By engaging in discussions around complex issues, students learn to form informed opinions and engage in responsible democratic discourse.” He noted that universities empower individuals through education, internships, and student councils, laying the groundwork for active and informed citizenship. “History shows that universities are incubators of social movements, where students challenge the status quo and advocate for policies that benefit society.”
Panel discussants
Dr. Pamela Tibihikirra-Kalyegira, Director of the Law Development Centre, reinforced these points by outlining three core roles of universities: teaching, applied research, and community engagement. “We must reflect on how well we are fulfilling these responsibilities,” she urged, encouraging students to adopt a lifelong learning mindset and recognize that no one can know everything.
Dr. Ruth Biyinzika, Coordinator of the GROW Project at the Private Sector Foundation Uganda (PSFU), shared insights on various opportunities available to students that can help them navigate their career paths. She also called on parents to actively engage in shaping their children’s educational journeys before they transition to higher education institutions.
In honoring the legacy of Prof. Senteza Kajubi, Makerere University Vice Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe praised him as one of Uganda’s most influential educationists. A two-time Vice Chancellor and the first Fulbright from Uganda, Prof. Kajubi opened doors for many African students to benefit from the Fulbright scholarship. Prof. Nawangwe recalled his personal friendship with Kajubi, highlighting the wisdom he gained from him.
During Uganda’s struggle with the HIV/AIDS epidemic, Prof. Kajubi played a pivotal role in establishing a partnership between Makerere University and Case Western Reserve University in the U.S., which helped train staff to manage the crisis. “The first COVID-19 testing kits we received at Mulago Hospital were donated by Case Western Reserve University—400,000 free kits,” noted Prof. Nawangwe, emphasizing the enduring impact of Prof. Kajubi’s contributions to Makerere University and Uganda.
Through these discussions, the lecture underscored the vital role of higher education in not only developing individual capabilities but also fostering a more engaged and informed citizenry, ultimately contributing to a stronger democracy.
Scholars at Makerere University have developed a set of competencies to guide graduate secondary school teachers in Uganda, focusing on effectively teaching students under the new lower secondary curriculum. The initiative, spearheaded by Dr. Yuda Taddeo Kaahwa as Principal Investigator (PI), includes contributions from Dr. Rebecca Nambi, Dr. Richard Balikoowa, Mr. Edward Kansiime, and Mr. Cale Santus.
This research project, funded by the Government of Uganda through the Makerere University Research and Innovations Fund (Mak-RIF), gathered data from teachers, head teachers, and curriculum specialists across various regions. The findings were unveiled on September 12, 2024, during a dissemination workshop at Makerere University.
“Our research found that most teachers are still using the old curriculum and are not meeting the required standards for teaching under the new lower secondary curriculum,” Dr. Kaahwa revealed. He emphasized the need for a paradigm shift, highlighting that the new curriculum requires a learner-centered approach, unlike the traditional teacher-centered methods.
The survey was conducted across 15 schools, with 25 participants from each institution, as well as 30 curriculum specialists. The study revealed significant gaps in the teachers’ readiness to implement the new Competence-Based Curriculum (CBC), as many were trained under the old curriculum.
To address this, the scholars have outlined plans for training sessions at teacher training institutions, aiming to equip future educators with the skills necessary to meet the new curriculum’s demands. Dr. Kaahwa called for government support to ensure the successful implementation of this project, which has so far focused on teachers in the Humanities, Sciences, History, and Languages.
“A secondary school teacher must be creative, with excellent communication skills, to effectively convey knowledge to their learners,” Dr. Kaahwa stated, also stressing the importance of integrating technology into the learning process. He noted that the new curriculum’s learner-centered approach emphasizes critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration, making teacher creativity and adaptability vital.
Dr. Richard Balikoowa proposed the creation of discussion groups among teachers to foster interpersonal communication skills and boost learner confidence. “Teachers must possess diverse knowledge in their disciplines and be able to identify and nurture their learners’ strengths and weaknesses,” he added.
The research, which began in 2022 following the introduction of the new curriculum, found that many teachers lacked a deep understanding of the competencies required for the CBC. This gap is largely due to teachers being trained in the outdated curriculum and needing time to “relearn” the new teaching strategies.
Prof. Anthony Muwagga Mugagga, Principal of the College of Education and External Studies (CEES), commended the scholars for their impactful research, which is poised to drive significant progress in Uganda’s education system. He highlighted the project as a crucial step toward improving teacher effectiveness under the new curriculum.
Prof. Fred Masagazi Masaazi, Chairperson of Mak-RIF, also praised the project, labeling it one of the most successful initiatives aimed at enhancing the competence profile of graduate secondary teachers in Uganda. He pledged ongoing support to ensure the project’s successful implementation, with the goal of shifting teacher practices to align with the new curriculum’s objectives.
However, challenges remain in ensuring widespread adoption of the new curriculum, particularly in private schools, where teachers are often unable or unwilling to attend government-organized training sessions. Nansana Municipal Inspector of Schools, Mr. Patrick Desire Nsubuga, emphasized the need for collective action from all stakeholders. “If we all agree to acquire the necessary skills, our children will better understand the curriculum,” he said.
Mr. Kinosa Daniel Mutumba, a teacher at Walibo Seed Secondary School in Luuka District, urged the government to deploy facilitators with in-depth knowledge of the new curriculum. “Some facilitators lack the expertise needed to guide teachers, which ultimately affects learners, especially when it comes to interpreting complex scenario-based questions in humanities subjects,” Mr. Mutumba remarked.
He also called on the government to provide more funding to fully implement the new curriculum and to increase the number of instructors available to train teachers in different districts.
As scholars continue refining the competencies and training frameworks, the hope is that teachers across Uganda will be better equipped to provide high-quality education under the Competence-Based Curriculum, thereby improving learning outcomes for students nationwide.
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