UG SRC wants school management to reconsider virtual learning move

The University of Ghana Students’ Representative Council (UGSRC) has called on Management of the University to reconsider the new e-learning schedule it has planned to roll out during this period of closure so that all students would be able to benefit.

The SRC says students in localities where internet connection is poor stand to be disadvantaged, though it appreciates efforts by Management in liaising with Vodafone Ghana to provide students with free access to the University’s online learning platform.

In a petition signed by the President of the SRC, Isaac Agyemang, the Council maintained that failure of Management to consult relevant bodies especially the SRC in making the decision accounted for the inconveniences students are facing.

Among other concerns raised in the petition, the SRC sought to know the fate of students who could not register their courses due to the late payments of the students loan.

It also questioned how students were going to be assessed using the platform.

Moreover, the SRC says that asking students to book for appointments to be able to use the University’s Computer Laboratory is inconsistent and breaches the directive that they should stay home.

“The policy we believe, in its goodness must not be a medium to deprive our students of their academic excellence. It is our hope that kind consideration will be given to theses concerns raised,” the statement concluded.

Background

Management of the University of Ghana has agreed to a proposal for the remaining seven weeks of teaching and learning for the second semester to take place online.

The online academic activities will be undertaken using the University’s Sakai Learning Management System.

In line with that, the University says that it is working with telecom companies to guarantee free access to the university’s online learning platform.

However, it has already reached an agreement with Vodafone Ghana.

Accordingly, the University says that it will distribute Vodafone SIMs to all students to facilitate access.

In a statement signed by the Pro Vice-Chancellor in charge of students and academic affairs, Prof. Nana Aba Appiah Amfo, the online teaching schedule is expected to begin from the week of March 30, 2020 and end on May 15, 2020.

The statement, however, adds that the plan will change if the university opens before May 15.