A WORLD BANK DISTANCE EDUCATION PROJECT IN
SOUTH SAHARAN AFRICA (SSA)
AVU PILOT PROJECT IN GHANA
The Pilot Phase of the African Virtual University Project of the World Bank, an innovative form
of distance education, has begun in three universities in Ghana, namely:- the University of
Ghana, Legon, the University of Science and Technology, Kumasi and the University of Cape
Coast. The Courses being offered in Ghana are in the following Subjects:- Mathematics,
Physics, Chemistry, Engineering, and Computer Science.
THE PROJECT CONCEPT
The mission of the African Virtual University Project is to use the modern information
technology to increase access to educational resources throughout South Saharan Africa (SSA).
The use of information technology will enable higher education institutions to supplement their
existing programmes with resources of a global "Virtual University".
PROJECT SCHEDULE
The AVU Project is in three phases.
The first phase, which is prototype, was started from the beginning of the First Semester of the
1997/98 Academic Year. The Universities in Ghana joined the first phase of the project in
January 1998, i.e. from the beginning of Second Semester (1997/98). A successful prototype
service will provide the foundation for the second phase, which will include the offering of
complete undergraduate degree programmes from leading Universities World wide. The full
implementation of the third phase will be the resource sharing of technology based degree
programmes among institutions of higher education throughout South Saharan Africa.
UPLINK FACILITIES ABROAD
The African Virtual University works with programme development affiliates, instructional
support staff and satellite up link facilities (INTELSAT 515) in the United States of America and
Ireland.
PARTNER INSTITUTIONS IN AFRICA
The countries in South Saharan Africa which are participating in the Pilot Phase of African
Virtual University Programme include:-
- Ghana
- Ethiopia
- Kenya
- Uganda
- Tanzania
- Zimbabwe
PROJECT COORDINATION
The project is being coordinated in each university by a team made up of the following:-
- Campus Coordinator
- Technical Coordinator
- Library Coordinator
- Course Moderators
- Office/Technical Assistants
EQUIPMENT AT AVU SITES
Facilities at AVU Sites include a Satellite Receiving Equipment and Computer Laboratory with
internet connection for using E-mail, Fax, and WWW; and audio/video recording equipment.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
Please contact The AVU Campus Coordinators:
(KNUST) KUMASI: TEL: +233 51 60013; FAX: +233 51 60014; E-MAIL: avuust@ghana.com
(UCC) CAPE COAST:
(UG) LEGON:
THE PROJECT CONCEPT PAPER
The project rational and goals are described in the AVU Concept Paper, available at:
http://www.avu.org/about.html
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Last updated: 28 April 1998