KNUST IDL

Demand for tertiaryeducation, nationally and worldwide, in the last few decades has outstretched the limited resources of educational institutions.  In short, access has become critical and is available to a few.  The solution has been to utilize innovative approaches including Open and Distance Learning (ODL).

TheGhanaGovernment policy on TertiaryEducationand educationtechnologyinnovations worldwide provides the policy framework for Ghanaian Universities to increase access to tertiary education.  In response, the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) has taken up the challenge of increasing access to tertiary education and training through the Institute of Distance Learning (IDL).

Over the years, the KNUST has turned away a large number of qualified applicants as a result of limited facilities such as classrooms and laboratories amongothers.  As a result the University has adopted Distance Education as a viable complement to the conventional face-to-face education.  It is expected that this will provide Ghanaian students within and outsideGhanaaccess to education and training provided by KNUST.

In order to achieve this laudable aim, a new Faculty of Distance Learning (FDL) was established in 2005 under the College of Science to deliverprogrammesof study both on-going and new ones from all colleges of the University in the distance learning mode.  Following approval by the academic board in October, 2007, FDL was relocated from College of Science and renamed Institute of Distance Learning with much more leverage and autonomy.  The Institute currently comprises twoDepartments:  The Centre for Distance and Continuing Education (CDCE); and the Kumasi Virtual Centre for Information Technology (KVCIT).  Presently, it provides facilitated Face-to-Face Sessions at ten learning centres inAccra, Bolgatanga, Cape Coast, Ho, Koforidua, Kumasi, Sunyani, Takoradi, Tamale and Wa including two district learning centres.  It aims at establishing more learning centres across the country.  These centres will provide learning support to learners living in different parts of the country, thus reducing travel expenses while maximising the educational development in the country.

KNUST is strategically increasing access to quality tertiary education and training through the IDL using the multimedia delivery. This Strategic Plan is in place toguidethe entire IDL, its partners, collaborators and stakeholders to fulfil its vision.