17 Jun 2020

Assistant Minister of Tertiary Education, Research, Science and Technology, Mr Machana Shamukuni has expressed government’s commitment to ramp up Information Technology (IT) ecosystem to enhance digital learning.

During his visit to the Botswana Open University-Kang campus on June 16, Mr Shamukuni said the new normal called for innovation and distance learning methodology and his ministry would commit more time and resources toward improving IT Ecosystem.

He emphasised that the whole ecosystem that supplement learning must be ramped up, citing the improvement of networks and access to the digital gadgets, saying ‘all people across the country should have access to digital gadgets’.

The Assistant Minister urged the institution’s management to continue adhering to COVID-19 protocols to safeguard the  health of employees, learners and customers.

He urged them to ensure that students felt safe in the institution to  continue learning.

Mr Shamukuni appreciated how the Botswana Open University-Kang campus had responded to COVID-19.

Earlier, Regional Director - Kang campus, Ms Moenyane Seabelo said although the institution used blended teaching and learning, whereby there was physical contact and online learning, learning never stopped.

Ms Seabelo said since the outbreak of COVID-19, they focused on online learning, improved network fibres and strengthened communication with their learners to ease anxiety brought by the pandemic.

She said they used sms, social media platforms, emails and the website.

Ms Seabelo expressed confidence that by 2023, they would be an innovative open university, recognised for its technology, enhanced programmes, relevant research and societal impact. 

For her part, area MP, Ms Talita Monnakgotla said distance learning should be promoted and advised that some courses should be tailor-made for the region that depended largely on cattle production.

In closing, Kgosi Basadi Seipone of Kang stated that the fourth industrial revolution should be embraced by all. ENDS