The Pro Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Robert Ebo Hinson, has challenged GCTU’s distance learning facilitators/lecturers to position the institution’s distance learning programme as a benchmark of excellence, setting new standards for quality and innovation in online education.
Prof. Hinson made this remark at a 3-day intensive training workshop for distance learning facilitators/lecturers, hosted by the Institute of Continuing and Distance Education (ICDE) in collaboration with the Centre for Online Learning (COLT) from 10th to 12th February 2025 at the CITSET Laboratory and Forensic Lab.
The workshop, which was held on the theme, “Building Capacity for Effective Distance Learning Pedagogy and Courseware Development,” was organized to enhance facilitators’ skills in designing and delivering high-quality online courses. Making his presentation, Prof. Hinson emphasized that distance education extends beyond virtual lectures, requiring an immersive, supportive, and dynamic learning ecosystem that meets diverse student needs.
He outlined seven key service attributes, defining GCTU’s distance education approach as: responsiveness, accessibility, clarity in communication, empathy, technological proficiency, engagement, and continuous improvement. Stressing passion, as the driving force behind excellence, he stated, “A lecturer, passionate about his/her subject and committed to lifelong learning will naturally inspire and motivate students.”
The Founding Director of ICDE, Prof. Frank Gyimah Sackey, who contributed to the discourse, spoke on “Advancing Distance Education at GCTU: Insights and Outlook.” He emphasized the University’s commitment to expanding access to quality higher education through ICT and distance learning, targeting students and professionals who are unable to enroll in traditional education systems due to constraints. Prof. Sackey noted that this aligns with Ghana’s tertiary education policy, contributing to the Government’s Agenda 2030 goal of achieving 40% enrollment in distance education.
The Dean of the Business School, Prof. George Ampong, who was at the workshop, highlighted GCTU’s leadership in blended learning and emphasized among other issues, that its venture into distance education must uphold the highest standards. “To position GCTU’s distance education as a leader, we must strategize and innovate, ensuring our programs exceed expectations,” he stated.
The Dean of the School of Graduate Studies and Research, Prof. Ebenezer Malcalm, delivered a presentation on “Online Assessment Strategies for Distance Learning.”
He stressed the need for fair assessments, flexibility and academic integrity in distance education. He discussed formative, summative and alternative assessments, highlighting key features such as validity, reliability, fairness, flexibility and security as key issues underlying assessments. He advocated for the leveraging of technology to create effective assessments that enhance student learning and success.
The Director of ICT, Prof. Stephen A. Asunka, discussed “Designing Interactive and Engaging Online Courses for Distance Learning,” emphasizing the role of engagement in retention, learning, motivation and fostering a sense of community. He noted that integrating interactivity, diverse content and continuous feedback enhances the learning experience.
The Director of Quality Assurance and Promotion, Prof. Abdul Wahab Iddrisu, highlighted the role of his Directorate in accreditation, monitoring, student feedback and quality audits. He emphasized the need to ensure that all GCTU programmes meet national and international standards.
Earlier at the workshop, the Head of ICDE, Dr. Frank Senyo Loglo, welcomed participants, noting that distance education is evolving and providing opportunities for those unable to pursue traditional education.
He stressed ICDE’s commitment to ensuring fairness in admissions and outlined six foundational elements of the Desiree Keegan’s Distance Education Theory: separation of teacher and learner; influence of educational organization; use of technology; presence of peers; instructional design and learner autonomy.
During a hands-on demonstration, Mr. Justice N.A. Quaye from COLT introduced and drove participants through the GCTU’s Learning Management System (LMS), guiding them on navigation and key features, including uploading course modules.
