Govt to roll out Ghana virtual high school for students – Adutwum

Minister in Charge of Education, Dr Yaw Osei Adutwum says plans are advanced for the central government to establish a Ghana virtual high school for prospective students to enroll and complete high school online.

Speaking at the 2nd National Distance Learning Conference in Accra, Adutwum said the public high school would also use instructions and resources from the virtual high school to improve teaching and learning in their schools.

In his address at the 2nd Distance Learning Conference, the Education Minister said digital learning was a vital leapfrog strategy that could bring about a change in Africa’s fortune, especially in the educational space.

Dr Osei Yaw Adutwum citing the benefits of the virtual high school urged African leaders to stop lamenting about their situation, develop a can-do spirit and take advantage of technology to improve their respective countries.

He expressed confidence in the ability of the African child, adding that, when given the opportunity, the African child would blossom beyond expectation saying that the government next year aims at doubling science enrolment using digital technology.

Dr Adutwum lauded the Centre for National Distance Learning and Open Schooling (CENDLOS) for its commitment to digital and distance learning in the country and urged stakeholders to support them carry out their mandate.

The Director-General of Ghana Education Service (GES) Dr Eric Nkansah speaking at the National Distance Learning Conference said integrating ICT into education improved learning outcomes and the overall education system.

He said distance learning had also become a lifeline to many, ensuring that education prevailed despite dire circumstances.

“Teachers are able to engage with learners irrespective of distance and get access to training opportunities to improve upon themselves. ICT also improves the teacher-parent relationship and parents are able to monitor their wards’ learning progress,” he said.

The 2nd National Distance Learning Conference held in Accra was on the theme: “Reimagining Education: A Call on Multi-Stakeholder Coordination and Action for Equitable Access to Digital and Distance Learning in Africa.”

CENDLOS regulates, controls and advises on online education and open schooling. It makes learning accessible, flexible and affordable to all, using modern, cutting-edge technology in open, distance and electronic learning.

It seeks to increase access to education for all and blend the current educational system with innovative ICT solutions and ensure quality education at all levels.

The Centre for National Distance Learning and Open Schooling (CENDLOS) uses audio-visual lessons as supplementary and complementary teaching and learning materials at the pre-tertiary level.