The World Bank's Africa Virtual University Project: A Revisit

Autor/inn/en	Nafukho, Fredrick M.; Muyia, Machuma Helen
Titel	The World Bank's Africa Virtual University Project: A Revisit
Quelle	In: European Journal of Training and Development, 37 (2013) 7, S.646-661 (16 Seiten)Infoseite zur Zeitschrift PDF als Volltext Verfügbarkeit
Sprache	englisch
Dokumenttyp	gedruckt; online; Zeitschriftenaufsatz
ISSN	2046-9012
DOI	10.1108/EJTD-02-2013-0020
Schlagwörter	Foreign Countries; Virtual Universities; International Organizations; Educational Policy; Distance Education; Program Design; Program Implementation; International Programs; Educational Innovation; Program Effectiveness; Electronic Learning; Literature Reviews; Africa; Kenya + Suchen Sie Ihr Suchwort? Ausland; International organisation; International organisations; International organization; Internationale Organisation; Politics of education; Bildungspolitik; Distance study; Distance learning; Fernunterricht; Programme design; Programmaufbau; Programmplanung; Instructional innovation; Bildungsinnovation; Afrika; Kenia
Abstract	Purpose: The main purpose of using technology in the delivery of virtual learning programs in higher education in Africa is to ensure access and equity as a strategy to develop human resources. Examining how specific educational innovations in higher education are working is necessary. The purpose of this study is to examine the World Bank's education policies in Africa with special focus on AVU Kenyatta University Project. In addition, the paper seeks to critically examine the use of information technology (IT) distance learning project initiated by the World Bank in Kenya. The project served as an important pioneering role to eLearning in Africa. Design/methodology/approach: To achieve the primary purpose of the study, a critical analysis of relevant literature was conducted. The literature search included computerized search of accessible and available material on AVU and distance education in Africa. Findings: The results of the study show that AVU's design and implementation in Africa was initially flawed like many other World Bank education projects. While distance learning should lower costs of higher education, this was not the case. The AVU project was initially faced with challenges, but, over a period of 16 years, the Africa Region is now considered one of the most dynamic e-learning markets on the planet. The continent has witnessed increased digitization of universities, booming enrollment in online higher education and the rapid adoption of self-paced learning. Research limitations/implications: The concept of virtual learning if appropriately applied could be of great benefit to universities and students in Africa. Thus, design and implementation of innovations in education should be grounded in the relevant theories of learning and should involve educational experts. Originality/value: There are limited studies that focus on the issues of access, efficiency, equity and use of innovative technologies in the design and successful delivery of virtual learning courses in African universities, hence the importance of this study. (As Provided).
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Erfasst von	ERIC (Education Resources Information Center), Washington, DC
Update	2020/1/01