Julius Otundo

BACKGROUND 

When COVID-19 struck the world, various States never predicted the devastating effects the pandemic was going to cause to our economies. Most frustrating happened when learning came to a standstill due to the closure of learning institutions. At my University (Riara University-Kenya) we had started online classes before the pandemic but lessons were not quite effective in terms of delivery. Most of us could post PDFs, PPTs, videos followed by zoom lessons and were quite comfortable doing it that way. We continued with our programmes and became the first University, possibly in Africa to graduate students online. When PedaL was introduced to us, I literally thought we were just going to be taken through what we already knew, I was extremely wrong.  

INTERVENTION 

During pre-training activities, I realized I knew very little about online teaching. The first synchronous lesson, was such amazing that I began to thirst for knowledge and skills. I experienced change that had never been before in the field of teaching. Prof Khaemba’s session on constructive alignment sunk me into deep understanding why our students struggle in the world of work. It was amazing and transformative. PedaL’s intervention came timely. Kudos! PedaL caused the reopening of many Universities during online lessons. There has been total change of attitude among faculty and students regarding online learning. This was one intervention of its kind, causing total transformation and inspirational for lifelong learning. PedaL solved such a big problem and reopened learning. I can now teach effectively at the comfort of my seat wherever I’m. Many thanks Mama PedaL, the entire team, my colleagues and friends. Let us keep pedaLing and networking.  

RESULTS 

1. Effective and learner – centred pedagogies 

2. Interactive lessons 

3. Learning began in Universities and most importantly blended learning is now the norm 

4. PedaL has contributed immensely to reduction of devastating effects of COVID-19 since online learning is more effective 

5. Reduction of costs that come along with physical learning 

6. More engaged lecturers and students 

7. Increased collaboration and networking of scholars.  

8. Innovative lesson preparation and assessment.  

9. Gender main streaming/gengering. 

LESSON LEARNT 

After I finished the training, I was thrilled when I was considered to be one of the resource persons. It was amazing moments interacting and facilitating high level scholars. I felt so much fulfilled being a mentor to many in matters online facilitation of learning. I surely learnt no one is a monopoly of knowledge and we need to exercise patience with students no matter what level. I noticed stakeholder engagement is quite vital for great success in learning. The scheduling went quite well though I feel programmes were rushed. More time needs to be allocated and especially when participants are being introduced to new concepts. 

AHA MOMENTS 

PedaL training transformed my teaching and learning pedagogy in the following ways: 

1. Constructive alignment (Linking Objectives-Outcomes-learning strategies/Activities-Learning Resources-Innovative Assessment) and, how to construct ELOs based on RBT-2001. 

2. Innovative assessment and use of varied online tools-rubrics/e-portfolios/checklists/anecdotal notes etc 

3. Making online lessons interactive 

4. Creating interactive course designs/unit plans 

5. Online collaborative tools (This was my greatest aha moment)  

6. Gendering/gender mainstreaming. 

7. Highly networked teacher.  I have made so many colleagues than ever before through PedaL. I’m now globally networked.  

PedaL training inspired me so much that I have greatly my teaching and learning philosophy. My normal life is now enjoying facilitation of learning online. I have improved greatly on my research skills and quite to capture students’ concentration and participation on an online class (Synchronous & Asynchronous).  Skills and knowledge acquire have made me a guru on online facilitation of learning. Most importantly, I’m able to facilitate my colleagues at the University on matters online facilitation of learning. My students are more excited than before and have enjoyed flipping the class. My students never want to miss my classes based on the interactivity of the class. It has as well lessened my burden of (lecturing) but rather making students to take responsibility in their own learning. My case studies are so much refine than before