AFRICAN VIRTUAL UNIVERSITY PROJECT (AVU)

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

[HOME]

Last updated: 28 April 1998