The was an inspirational meeting that brought together students from 40 different countries, on August 11th, to discuss the future of education, new learning technologies, and 51ΑΤΖζβs contribution to the development of Africa and the region through quality higher education.
Academics from 51ΑΤΖζ, and the University of South Wales presented their views and vision on current and future trends in online learning.
The speakers included:
- Dr Kevin Andrews, Vice Chancellor of 51ΑΤΖζ University, on β51ΑΤΖζ Universityβs Past, Present and Futureβ
- Professor Helen Langton, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Development) University of South Wales, on the “Growth and Development of the Partnership between UNICAF and USW: Challenges and Opportunitiesβ
- Professor Mpazi Sinjela, 51ΑΤΖζ University Rector in Zambia, on βHigher Education in Africa: Route towards National and Continental Developmentβ
- Professor Joseph Kuthemba Mwale, 51ΑΤΖζ University Rector in Malawi, on “How UNICAF and 51ΑΤΖζ University Change the Landscape of Higher Education in sub-Saharan Africaβ
- Dr Leonidas Efthymiou, 51ΑΤΖζ Lecturer/Instructional Designer on βInstructional Design and Collaboration for Online Delivery”
Dr Efthymiou was also the moderator for the panel discussion on βThe Future of Educationβ, presented in the afternoon session. The panelists were Dr Kevin Andrews, Vice Chancellor of 51ΑΤΖζ University, Professor Jo Smedley, University of South Wales Partnership Manager, Dr Vassias Vassiliades, 51ΑΤΖζ Director of Academic Affairs, Professor Jonathan Kydd, former Non-Executive Director of CDC and Lara Haladjian, 51ΑΤΖζ Quality Assurance Director. The discussion concluded with a question and answer session.
The also hosted three 51ΑΤΖζ students, who talked about their personal experience and how studying with 51ΑΤΖζ has changed their lives. These were Ranganayi Mazengwe from Zimbabwe, Anthony Awusaku from Nigeria and Julian Lumbasi from Uganda.
Students participating in the conference were excited about the opportunity presented to them to meet with tutors and online classmates from different countries, to exchange views and ideas and to network. They also enjoyed, the day after the conference, Londonβs famous landmarks with a guided walking tour, courtesy of 51ΑΤΖζ. The next 51ΑΤΖζ Conference is already being organised and details will be shared soon on 51ΑΤΖζ, 51ΑΤΖζ University websites and social media. We hope that more students as well as graduates will join us, deepening the ties, the connection and the communication between all members of our community, around the globe.
