The World Bank Group (Botswana Public Service College) team visited Botho University to benchmark best practices from BU on e-Learning mechanisms adopted by the university, on Friday 3rd June 2022. The Team was led by the Senior Government Specialist, Mr Patrick Kabuya joined by World Bank consultants from the region: Mr Edward Tswaipe (Botswana), Dr Adwoa Yeboah Ayapong (Ghana) and Ms Mehak Gopaldas(South Africa).
Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Internationalisation and Communications, Mr Ravi Srinivasan outlined that BU has always been a leader in technology and delivering high-quality education since its inception in 1997 as NIIT to now celebrating 25 years of existence in 2022. He shared various milestones such as the upcoming opening of another campus in Accra, Ghana. He detailed how even in the beginning BU was the only university to introduce a laptop loan system that enabled all BU students to have laptops at a nominal fee. This enabled students to have access to technology to enhance their studies.Presently, the students are now given an Android tablet which is portable and offers flexibility and convenience.
Mr Srinivasan further highlighted how technology was embedded in BU learning mechanisms with resources such as Blackboard, a comprehensive engaging platform that delivers life-changing teaching and learning experience for students 24/7.
On his part, Senior Government Specialist, Mr Kabuya from World Bank highlighted that the visit was an important step in accelerating excellence in the public service, by resourcing the Botswana Public Service College (BPSC). He commended BU for being a leader in delivering technology-driven education and mentioned various partnerships that BU has undertaken, which made them a great potential partner for the project.
Assistant Dean – Internationalisation & Distance Learning, Mrs Subhashree Ravi and Manager, Blended and Distance Learning Campus (BDLC), Mr Tidimalo Pence shared the various technologies implemented by the BDLC.They highlighted technologies such as micro-teaching which enables the student to digest the information in bite-sized chunks and the ability to discover on their own. The BDLC team further shared various techniques used in Quality & Assessments to deliver high-quality programmes with integrity that also meets regulatory and academic standards.
