Emerging Technologies Redesigning the Distance Learning Environment at Makerere University MICHAEL WALIMBWA

Distance Education Teaching and learning actions separated in time and space. Teacher and student physical interaction is limited. Correspondence, broadcast, teleconference, and mixed multimedia Use of Communication technology, electronic devices and print materials. 2

Challenges in distance education High student enrolment Pressure for reform Student disengagement from the learning process Traditional distance education model does not effectively encourage interaction and critical thinking skills Educators are equally disengaged from the learning process with the temptation to deliver content only and not critical thinking skills 3

Emerging technologies Technologies changing the way education is delivered. Barriers of space, pace and time are withdrawn- mitigation of the separation through synchronous and asynchronous communication DELP- Transformation of the 1 st generation distance learning to 5 th generation Literature review indicates extensive use of emerging technologies in distance education because they enable the creation of the informal learning spaces for collaboration, interaction and communication. 4

Emerging technologies Computerized Grading Electronic Textbooks (E-textbooks) Simulation Technology Gamification Flipped Classrooms Active Learning Classrooms Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) Collaborative Distance Learning Environments Active Learning Forum Platform Learning Management Systems (LMSs) 5

The downside of emerging technologies in distance education Upfront costs Standardization issues Diversities in educators and learner skills Skepticism Diversity in technologies 6

Way forward New technologies continue to emerge and bring with them the promise to reform and revitalize distance education. Using emerging technologies to move from digitisation of, to transformation of the distance education practice Many technologies have not been fully evaluated in real distance education practice. Educators need to engage in communities of practice for professional development. Technology should be seen as part of the broader solution to engaged teaching and learning. 7

References Ahalt, S., & Fecho, K. (2015). Ten emerging technologies for higher education. Chapel Hill: RENCI, University of North Carolina. Atkinson, R. D. (2010). The failure of American higher education. The Huffington Post. failure-of-american-h_b_ html. failure-of-american-h_b_ html Shulevitz J. (2014). The future of college is not as bleak as you think. New Republic. article-minerva-project-overstates-universitys-future. article-minerva-project-overstates-universitys-future 8