The African Virtual University Leading eLearning in Africa Innovations in Delivering Higher Education: Lessons from AVU Model Dr. Bakary Diallo – Rector AVU bdiallo@avu.org www.avu.org oer.avu.org

OUTLINE Introduction: Who we are ? 4th industrial Revolution: Courses we are offering. Virtual University: What Role in supporting soft skill development? Collaboration: What do we do?

BRIEF ON AVU 75k A Pan African Intergovernmental Organization Mandate-to increase access to quality higher education and training through use of ICTs A Pan African Intergovernmental Organization Countries have signed AVU Charter Partner Institutions Works Across Africa in English, French and Portuguese over 30 African Countries Has trained more than 75,092 students since inception 75k

AVU PRESENCE IN AFRICA AVU Offices Kenya AVU Headquarters, Nairobi Cape Office Park Ring Road, Kilimani P.O. Box 25405 - 00603 Nairobi, Kenya Senegal Regional Office in Dakar Bureau Régional de l’Afrique de L’Ouest Sicap Liberte VI Extension Villa No. 8 VDN, B.P. 50609 Dakar, Senegal

4th Industrial Revolution- Courses Offered Development of Blended (online & face-to-face) bachelor in Applied Computer Science, focus on Skills, with 18 African universities About 1000+ enrollment in certificate programs at 27 African partner institutions Teachers : ICT basic Skills & Integration of ICT in Education Computer Science Skills for Employability Faculty Professional development in open distance and eLearning

MOOCs@AVU Enrolments ICT to enrich teaching & Learning : 1701 cMOOC (c for connectionist) for community building where there is more of a collaborative exploration of a topic with multiple contributors xMOOC - pre-canned behaviourist courses with short video presentations from an instructor, readings, small interactive quizzes and a test that leads to a certificate of completion AVU as a leading Pan African organization in ODeL must look into the MOOCs and strategize on capitalizing on their potential. They have attracted the attention of African governments and regional organizations. The African Development Bank has requested AVU to take the lead in this area. AVU will look at the potential role of MOOCs in increasing access to quality educational and to human capital in the formal and informal sector. The AVU is looking at how to MOOCs can be integrated into its Business Plan, Consortium Program Model, OER strategy, and the Multinational Project II. It will be important to look at the MOOC concept and find out how it can fit efficiently in the African context. From a technical perspective, AVU may consider to adapt its OER content to a web-based format, full instruction-path, with peer interactions. This will assist in boosting self-learning in the Consortium Program Model. For instance, courses focused on bridging math and science courses may be popular with this approach. The MOOCs can also be integrated in the formal courses, as well as in the programs offered through the Virtual Campus for Development and Peace. Enrolments ICT to enrich teaching & Learning : 1701 Peace Management & Conflict Resolution: 1803 Skills for Employability: 2192

Challenges Courses Offered The challenges include: Coordination with multiple partner institutions Maintaining a high completion rate Computer science certificate program: 75.3% MOOCS: average 7.5% Cost of programs, scholarships Connectivity issues

Virtual Universities & Soft Skills Over last four years the AVU hired a total of 20 interns Placement of several AVU interns in the job market as soon as they complete their internships   George Maringa, former AVU Intern reporting for KTN News in Kenya AVU Interns with the Rector, Dr. Diallo

Virtual University & Soft Skills Virtual University can use Artificial Intelligence & blockchain technology to enhance student data analytics and personalized learning. This can enhance learning of soft skills such as communication, innovations, critical thinking and emotional intelligence Micro-credentials or badges offer students and working professionals a way to bulk up their résumés with field-specific skills

Collaboration AVU collaborates with African & Global partners We are seeking to provide word class services Initial discussions held with global platform providers Partnership is an important part of our strategy

AVU MULTINATIONAL PROJECT II 2012 - 2016

AVU MULTINATIONAL PROJECT II 2012 - 2017 Open & distance learning centers Teacher Education Applied Computer Science Community of practice Peace & Conflict resolution Gender mainstreaming Research & Development Technical Assistance

What Next Learning and building on 4th industrial revolution , and sharing with our network Escalating offers – Full fledged university Utilization of the existing assets: Our network, Open educational resources, experience (not to reinvent the wheel) Collaboration opportunities

https://twitter.com/avu_org The African Virtual University www.avu.org oer.avu.org www.moocs.avu.org www.youtube.com/avuorg www.facebook.com/AfricanVirtualUniversity https://twitter.com/avu_org