The University of PNG’s acting vice chancellor has applauded the Technology-Enabled Learning (TEL) Initiative of the Commonwealth of Learning.
Speaking at a recent workshop, Dr Kenneth Sumbuk says this initiative paves the way for enhanced learning.
The Commonwealth of Learning, or COL, is an intergovernmental organisation created by Commonwealth Heads of Government in 1987 to promote the development and sharing of open learning and distance education knowledge, resources and technologies.
As the name suggests, COL’s technology-enabled learning initiative aims to increase access to quality teaching and learning through the use of technology.
A workshop was held this week at UPNG, where Professor Sumbuk outlined that information and communications technology (ICT) has become a commonplace entity in all aspects of life.
“Over the past 20 years, the use of ICT has fundamentally changed the practices and procedures of nearly all forms of endeavour within business and governance,” stated Dr Sumbuk.
“Within education or within our sector in Papua New Guinea, ICT has begun to have a presence but the impact has not been as extensive as we see in other countries or other sectors or fields.”
Dr Sumbuk further urged academics to focus on the role of ICT in transforming teaching and learning at UPNG, through the workshop.
Dr Sanjaya Mishra of the Commonwealth of Learning said their presence at UPNG is to facilitate change in the institution, adding by the end of the project, they should be able to see some concrete results.
“In terms of number of teachers using ICT for teaching and learning, increased number of students using ICT for learning, increasing number of courses available in the institution,” he said.
Policy drafted from the two-day technology-enabled learning workshop is expected to be approved and adopted by UPNG.
“Paving the way for the adoption of TEL in all the courses and programs offered in the university, not just open college.”
