Implementation of elearning at UDSM
By Dr. H. Twaakyondo
Director CVL
December 2008
Objectives:
Objective of this presentation is to share with
you the following: Background and trends of e-learning at
UDSM
 Educational technology policies, strategies
 Current Projects and Plans
 Challenges facing e-learning implementation
Introduction
E-learning can be defined as "using electronic
applications and processes to learn. e-learning
applications and processes include Web-based
learning, computer-based learning, virtual
classrooms and digital collaboration. Content is
delivered via the Internet, intranet/extranet,
audio or video tape, satellite TV, and CD-ROM.
".
In recent years, e-learning has become a policy
option for many developed and developing
countries including UDSM
Introduction
Why?:
 The need to meet new learner styles
 The need to reduce training cost per students
 Increased demand of access to Higher
educations.
Admissions at UDSM
Applied
Registered
% Registered
2002/03
6,171
3,423
55%
2003/04
6,036
3,582
59%
2004/05
8,616
4,264
43%
2005/06
17,164
4,475
26%
2006/07
15,185
7,049
46%
Source: UDSM Facts and Figures 2006/2007
Efforts made by UDSM
 Improve ICT infrastructure




put in place the fiber optic backbone,
networked all UDSM units including the
UCLAS / AU and MUCHS/MUHAS
Provision of video conferencing facilities
Establishment of several computer labs in all
faculties and some departments
connect the University network to the Interne
Efforts made by UDSM
 Train end users and technical staff to effectively
use and manage the ICT facilities/applications
 Establishment of FIVE/CVL


Role of CVL---- responsible to spearhead and
coordinate all ODeL oriented activities at the
University level.
Structure of CVL
(DVC-ACADEMICS)
DEAN
DIRECTOR
DEPUTY DIRECTOR
COORDINATOR
UDVLP SECTION
INSTRUCTIONAL
DESIGN UNIT (IDU)
STEERING COMMITTEE
COORDINATOR
VLT SECTION
MULTIMEDIA
LABORATORY
COORDINATOR
EVLP SECTION
DISSEMINATION
UNIT (DDU)
E- learning initiatives at UDSM
 activities were observed since 1998 where
UDSM embarked on a TEIL programme to
integrate ICT in teaching and learning
 Blackboard software adopted in 1998
 By 2006, approximately 35% of all academic
staff have been trained to use Blackboard
E- learning initiatives at UDSM
 Two pilot blended programmes (CCS and
PGDE) were launched in 2005.
 Other factors considered by UDSM for elearning delivery includes;



Increase bandwidth(7.5 Mbps downlink, 1.5
Mbps uplink)
Establishment of wireless access points
Establishment of digital library
E- learning initiatives [Collaboration
with external Universities]
 RMIT


Provision of Bsc Computer
Provision of Diploma computer Science
 Curtin University
 Provision of BBA
 Provision opf Diploma in Business
administration
 Nettel@Africa programme
 Through FCM to offer PGD in ICT, policy and
regulation
E- learning initiatives at UDSM
 Currently, UDSM has adopted Moodle Learning
Management System (LMS)
 The software has replaced Blackboard, which is
a commercial platform.
 Moreover UDSM is in process of establishing
upcountry e-learning programmes for BBA,
PGDE and PGDEM
 Mwanza has been chosen as the first ODeL
center
Educational technology policies,
strategies



Efforts to established e-learning operational policy
(draft document in place)
UDSM ICT master plan (2007)
CVL Strategic Plan in place (2007 – 2012).The
Strategy has five broad areas of concentration;




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Assist UDSM faculties and affiliated collages on eleaning issues
Course development for e-delivery.
Provision/ delivery of e-programmes
LMS Management
Research of e-learning developments
Current Projects and Plans
 EUCTL



Enhancing University Teaching and Learning Capacity through the
ICT- mediated Distance Learning Mode
Sponsored by Carnegie Corporation of New York (2007 -2009)
Establishment of three distance online programmes
(PGDE,PGDEM and BBA)
 CUUEP



CREATING UDSM E-CONTENT WAREHOUSE THROUGH EPEDAGOGY SPONSERED BY THE WORLD BANK. (2008 -2012)
BUILDING OF THREE ODEL CENTRERS
DEVELOPMENT OF E-CONTENT FOR THREE PROGRAMMES
Challenges for ODeL Delivery in TZ
 Adequacy of ICT Infrastructure
 Bandwidth barriers (cost)
 Recognition of e-programmes By TCU
 Low ICT awareness in the society
 Reliance of foreign funding
 Fast technological advancement
Challenges for ODeL Delivery in TZ
 Financial limitations for the majority of local
investors to enter the ICT arena
 Negative attitude towards e-learning
 Limited experts in the field
 Unavailability of relevant ODeL policies
Conclusion
 Sharing knowledge and experience is vital for
success of e-learning at UDSM
 Best practices and strategies in the area of elearning should be adopted