Programmes. Putting the learner first. Information Booklet Maseno University. ISO 9001:2008 CERTIFIED

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1 Programmes Information Booklet Putting the learner first

2 2 VISION The University of Excellence in discovery and dissemination of knowledge MISSION To discover, harness, apply, disseminate and preserve knowledge for good of humanity CORE VALUES Relevance The University is committed to ensuring relevance in its programs and activities Excellence Excellence shall be targeted in outputs of the university Equity The University shall ensure that there is equity in all the opportunities within its jurisdiction Quality All outputs and processes of the University shall ensure that quality is maintained Integrity The University shall ensure integrity in all their undertaking

3 Welcome 3 Prof. Dominic W. Makawiti Vice-Chancellor Welcome I wish to welcome you in earnest to share in the joy and sense of accomplishment on the official launch of our new Maseno University elearning programmes. is among the first institutions of higher learning in East and Central Africa to develop and launch modular flexible programmes delivered through elearning. Today, we are launching our first elearning Certificate, Diploma and Degree programmes. These programmes have been designed to widen student choice, provide a more efficient and cost effective approach to learning, guarantee any-time any-where access to learning resources and ensure learners earn various certifications at their convenience. The programmes therefore aim at improving access to quality higher education in the region and beyond. Through the elearning programmes aims at providing an opportunity for life-long learning to all and meeting the national human resource needs for Kenya s workforce of the future within the framework of Vision I encourage prospective students, professionals and other outof-school people to pursue their personal and professional development through our elearning programmes. I also welcome like-minded public and coorporate institutions to partner with us at the outset so that we can jointly interrogate and address the multifarious issues pertaining to the economic and social development of this region. I wish our participants all the best as they begin this challenging yet exciting journey with us. VICE-CHANCELLOR

4 Welcome 4 Dr Catherine A. Muhoma Ag. Principal Kisumu City Campus College Let me take this opportunity to welcome you the elearning programmes. Our journey towards this accomplishment began in the year 2005, when we explored the possibility of using point-to-point videoconferencing equipment to reach more learners in different far-flung locations. Besides bandwidth challenges, this approach required learners to sit in scheduled classes in specific locations. This was a big challenge to many learners. We have since embraced other technology based learning and teaching practices in line with international best practice in Open and Distance Learning. Learners in our elearning programmes are able to interact with the course material, the lecturer and with fellow learners at their own time. This approach ensures that more people are able to obtain high quality university qualifications without having to physically reside or attend a faceto-face lecture at the University. I wish all our participants a fruitful learning experience. Welcome to the elearning programmes. We are pleased that we are able to avail to you programmes that are designed to enable you obtain a University Certificate, Diploma and Degree qualification at your doorstep. All elearning programmes have been designed with the learner in mind, hence our motto Putting the Learner first. The elearning programmes, which are offered on a blended or full online basis depending on the needs of various learners, are delivered through the Maseno University elearning Portal, with some support material provided in CD- ROM and print where necessary. The portal allows the learner to access various learning resources, undertake assessment tasks and also interact with fellow learners. All learners are guaranteed round-the-clock support by our reputable Subject Experts and highly skilled Course Facilitators. Dr Betty Obura Ogange Director elearning It is my hope that the learning needs and expectations of all learners will be adequately met. We welcome any comments and suggestions that will help improve the delivery of elearning programmes. On behalf of and on my own behalf, I wish our elearners a pleasant and rewarding learning experience.

5 Contents Contents 5 Contents General Information 6 Frequently asked questions 8 Programmes 9 Certificate Programmes 10 Statistics Made Simple (esms) 10 Undergraduate Programmes 10 I. Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA, with IT) 10 II. Bachelor of Science 11 (Mathematical Sciences, With IT) 11 III. Bachelor of Science (Mathematics and Business Studies, With IT) 11 Post Graduate Programmes 12 I. Post Graduate Diploma in 12 Education (PGDE) 12 II. MSc Research Methods 12 Modules 13 Modules for Level 1 Bachelor of Business 14 Administration (BBA, With IT) 14 Modules for Level 1 BSc (Mathematical 14 Sciences, With IT) 14 Modules for Level 1 BSc (Mathematics and 15 Business Studies,With IT) 15 Modules for Level 1 Post Graduate Diploma in 15 Education (PGDE ) 15 Core modules for MSc Research Methods 16 Fees 17 About the elearning Centre 19

6 General Information popular internationally. is aware of the challenges faced by people who would like to further their studies and has therefore developed flexible modular programmes to widen student choice, provide a more efficient and cost effective approach to learning, and ensure learners earn certificate, diploma and degree certificates at their convenience. Objectives 1.To encourage personal development and career progression 2.To reduce learning costs 3.To provide a flexible course delivery mode Online classes All elearning modules are primarily delivered online through the elearning Portal, with some support material availed in CD-ROM and print as deemed necessary. General Information is living up to its commitment to improving access to quality higher education by introducing flexible modular degree programmes that allow participants to pay and register for individual modules depending on their preferred certificate, diploma and degree programmes. This new approach to education has become very 6 study leave. International Reputation graduated its first cohort of elearning students who completed a fully online course, Statistics Made Simple, also known as esms, in April Applications for esms, which is a certificate course, are open on the web site and multiple cohorts are expected to complete this year. This programme is offered in partnership with the University of Reading, UK. has therefore positioned itself as an institution of international repute in the provision of elearning programmes. The elearning programmes aim at meeting the needs of working and other out-of-school people by providing high quality online modular diplomas and degrees for personal development and career progression in line with the national ICT policy for life-long learning. Vision 2030 The programmes also aim at meeting the national human resource needs for Kenya s development within the framework of Vision The elearning programmes therefore target people who are unable to make the time for full-time education yet need various certifications for professional and self-improvement. Consequently, participants will be able to upgrade their skills and qualifications on the job as they progress through the elearning modules. Workplace Productivity This approach to learning will lead to a productive workplace as workers will be able to advance within their work environment without having to take long periods of Quality All elearning programmes are developed in line with Senate approved guidelines for development and implementation of elearning programmes. The modules are developed and delivered by knowledgeable subject experts and experienced course facilitators. All elearning modules are quality assured through a rigorous review process within the academic departments. Depending on the needs of various learners and modules, the elearning programmes are offered in a blended way to meet the growing expectations of both on-campus and off-campus learners for high quality learning experiences and outcomes.

7 General Information 7 Advantages of the elearning Programme Our elearning programmes are affordable Programmes offer convenience of time and place as learners study whenever and wherever they have access to the learning resources Course modularity and flexibility allow participants to learn at their own pace Learners are offered timely support by highly skilled Course Facilitators Learning is scheduled around personal and professional work Our elearning programmes accommodate multiple learning styles Learners have quick accessibility to information and e-resources

8 Frequently asked questions Who is eligible? Maseno elearning programmes are tailored to meet the needs of working and other out-of-school people by providing high quality online modular diplomas and degrees in line with the national ICT policy for life-long learning. All applicants must meet the minimum application requirements of the programmes they want to pursue. When can I apply? Advertisements for elearning programmes will normally run in the daily newspapers and the web site. We are currently receiving applications for the Academic Year. How do I apply? All applicants fill in and submit applications through an online Application Form for elearning programmes in the elearning web site. The applicant will immediately receive an acknowledging receipt of their application. I am a Kenyan student with an A-level certificate from a foreign country. Am I eligble for the elearning programme? All programmes have course specific minimum requirements. Check our website for further details on qualification requirements. I am an international student.can I apply? Yes. However, you will need to make time to travel to Kenya to sit the examinations at our exam centres in Kenya. How do I register? Registration for modules will be done online on the elearning Portal. Students will be required to register for the number of modules they desire to take at the beginning of every semester. What is a module? A module refers to an examinable unit for which a student will individaully register and pay. One unit course is therefore equivalent to one module. What is the maximum number of modules that I can take per semester? This varies from programme to programme. Please refer to the elearning web site for more information. What are module levels? A level is equivalent to a year of study in the corresponding fulltime programme in the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th year. Undergraduate elearning modules are offered in Levels 1,2,3 and 4 which are equivalent to year 1,2,3 and 4 of 8 the regular programmes. Post-graduate programmes are offered in Levels 1 and 2. What is the mode of course work delivery? Most under-graduate and post-graduate modules are fully online. Continuous Assessment Tests (CATs) are also delivered online. Certain modules are blended, including short periods of face-to-face contact with lecturers. All students registered for elearning modules take sit-in examinations at the end of each semester when they register for elearning Modules. Can I skip the Orientation to elearning? No. This is a mandatory prerequisite for all elearning programmes, taken once, upon registration for the first elearning modules. Is the online orientation to elearning paid for separately? No. The fees for the orientation is already factored into your tuition fees. Where will I sit my Examinations? Examinations and practical aspects of the module will be conducted at specified centres in Nairobi, Mombasa, Eldoret and Kisumu. Only students who are duly registered for individual modules will be allowed to sit examinations. More details on Examination Rules and Regulations are available on the university web site. Do I need to be Computer literate? How about the internet? Yes. Applicants should be computer literate and have acces to a computer. You will also require internet access to allow the use of the elearning Portal, which is the main course delivery platform. Can I complete my remaining coursework through elearning? Applicants are advised to contact the Office of the Registrar (Academic Affairs) for details on exemptions, transfers and course completion. What support services are available to me? elearning students will receive support on their academic work from staff at the Learner Support Services Unit at the elearning Centre. They will also be supported by various technical, research and administrative staff at the elearning Centre located at the Kisumu City Campus College. How many semesters per FAQs

9 Programmes Programmes With effect from January 2012, will offer Certificate, Diploma and Degree programmes as follows: 9 CERTIFICATE PROGRAMMES Statistics Made Simple (esms) UNDER-GRADUATE PROGRAMMES Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA, With IT) Bachelor of Science (Mathematical Sciences, With IT) Bachelor of Science (Mathematics and Business Studies, With IT) POST GRADUATE PROGRAMMES Post Graduate Diploma in Education (PGDE) Master of Science (Research Methods) Participants can register and pay for any number of modules for the under-graduate and post-graduate programmes beginning in January Putting the learner first

10 Programmes 10 CERTIFICATE PROGRAMMES Statistics Made Simple (esms) This is a 6-week fully online Certificate course which also includes a 1-week orientation to elearning. Participants will have weekly deadlines and be expected to spend about 5 hours each week on the course at their convenience. The course targets professionals in employment and research students who require a foundation course in statistics for basic data handling and statistical analysis, and would like to study online. The course is adapted to various statistical packages (Genstat, Instat, SAS, SPSS and R), some of which are available at no cost. The course is appropriate for research personnel, research students, business managers, project managers, accountants, lecturers, teachers and anyone for whom an online basic foundation course in statistics would be appropriate. Entry requirements: esms At least an under-graduate degree Exceptions can be made to support staff involved in scientific research, provided appropriate documentation is given from the researcher justifying the value of the course to the research project Experience of scientific research Number of Modules: 1 Course duration: 6 weeks Prerequisites: Online Orientation to elearning. Start Dates: Monthly in 2012 UNDER-GRADUATE PROGRAMMES Three under-graduate programmes have been identified to spearhead s elearning programmes in the initial roll-out phase: An established programme, Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA, With IT) and two exciting new programmes, Bachelor of Science (Mathematical Sciences, With IT) and Bachelor of Science(Mathematics and Business Studies, With IT) I. Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA, with IT) This is a popular cross-disciplinary programme. The Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA, With IT) is particularly attractive to people working or intending to work in the business and corporate world. Potential participants are those already in full time employment and other out-of-school people who would like to take a university course as a way to realise career progression. Due to the cross-disciplinary nature of this programme, participants are expected to register for modules from the School of Economics and Business Studies, School of Mathematics and Computing Sciences and the Department of Linguistics. Entry requirements: Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA, with IT) KCSE: Mean Grade C+ Minimum of Grade C in Mathematics at KCSE or its equivalent KCE ( O level): Division II and above with a Diploma in a relevant field EAACE/KACE ( A Level): 2 Principals. Diploma in a relevant field Other requirements: KCSE Mean Grade of C Plain or EACE/KCE Division III must have CPA/CPS or a diploma in a relevant field Degree holders from Universities recognized by Senate also qualify Minimum number of modules to obtain a degree: 56 Maximum modules per semester: 7 Prerequisites: Online Orientation to elearning. Some level 1 modules have prerequistes that must be taken in the first semester. Mode of Study: Online tuition, online CATs, sit-in end of semester examinations. Start Dates: January 2012, May 2012, September 2012

11 II. Bachelor of Science (Mathematical Sciences, With IT) The Bachelor of Science (Mathematical Sciences, With IT) has been specifically designed to provide a flexible approach to mathematical education by allowing participants to specialise through the course of the degree programme in areas of Mathematics, Statistics and Actuarial Sciences while ensuring that they have a solid foundation in Mathematics. The programme targets professionals working or preparing to work in the banking, mathematical modelling, and research environments. The content of the later years of this programme are almost entirely elective to allow specialisation in participants respective areas of inter- est. In an improved and more dynamic approach to ICT integration into the curriculum, the IT component of this programme has been fully embedded into the course content rather than offered as stand-alone modules. Bachelor of Science (Mathematical Entry requirements: Sciences) KCSE: C+ Mean Grade. Minimum of Grade C+ in Mathematics at KCSE or its equivalent EACE/KCE ( O level): Division II and above with a Diploma in a relevant field EAACE/KACE ( A Level): 2 Principals A Diploma in a relevant field Minimum number of modules to obtain a degree: 56 Maximum modules per semester: 7 Prerequisites: Online Orientation to elearning. Some level 1 modules have prerequistes that must be taken in the first semester. Mode of Study: Online tuition, online CATs, sit-in end of semester examinations. Start Dates: January 2012, May 2012, September III. Bachelor of Science (Mathematics and Business Studies, With IT) This new degree programme illustrates the flexibility afforded by elearning as it is a combination of courses from the BSc (Mathematical Sciences, With IT) and the Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA, With IT) programmes. As such, participants will be able to combine modules from both programmes to get a strong foundation in Mathematics and Business Studies. Given the flexible nature of the elearning degree programmes, students will be able to transfer credit to or from this degree according to their evolving interest. Entry requirements: Programmes Bachelor of Science (Mathematics and Business Studies, With IT) KCSE: C+ Mean Grade. Minimum of Grade C+ in Mathematics at KCSE or its equivalent EACE/KCE ( O level): Division II and above with a Diploma in a relevant field EAACE/KACE ( A Level): 2 Principals A Diploma in a relevant field Minimum number of modules to obtain a degree: 56 Maximum modules per semester: 7 Prerequisite: Online Orientation to elearning Some level 1 modules have prerequistes that must be taken in the first semester. Mode of Study: Online tuition, online CATs, sit-in end of semester examinations. Start Dates: January 2012, May 2012, September 2012

12 POST-GRADUATE PROGRAMMES Programmes 12 I. Post Graduate Diploma in Education (PGDE) s PGDE programme is a professional programme that targets practicing untrained graduate teachers in secondary schools and other tertiary instituions who wish to professionalize their practice through a flexible online programme that allows them to train on-the-job, and only take sit-in on-campus examinations for the modules taken during a particular semester. To obtain the PGDE, a participant will take a total of 17 core modules and 2 electives. However, a participant will apply and pay for individual modules depending on their needs. This will allow for self-pacing. Entry requirements: PGDE First degree with two teaching subjects obtained from a recognised University. Number of modules : 19 Course duration(if maximum modules taken): 1 year Prerequisites: Online Orientation to elearning. Start Dates: January 2012, May 2012, September 2012 II. MSc Research Methods This is an industry-oriented programme that is designed to be immediately applicable and adaptable to participants in full time employment. The programme leads to either the degree of Master of Science in Research Methods or Professional Master of Science degree in Research Methods dependent on the participant s choice of final project. The involvement of the employer is desired in this programme and it is possible for the program to be adapted to suit the needs of a particular employer in consultation with the School of Mathematics and Computing Sciences. This, for instance, allows the employer s data and problems to be integrated into the course content, thereby guaranteeing relevance of the programme to industry. Once there is sufficient interest in the programme, to be determined by the number of applications received for various modules, the University will offer each module of the MSc degree as a blended course with scheduled face- to-face meetings or as a full online course depending on individual learner needs and demands. Participants can register and pay for any or all of the 5 core modules on offer for this programme beginning in Depending on demand, a few of the optional modules may also be made available. Entry requirements: MSc Research Methods First Class Honours OR Second Class Honours Upper Division degree recognized by the university senate. Holders of Lower Second Class Honours degree with two years work experience will be considered. Number of modules: 8 Course work + 8 Thesis (8 modules) 12 Course work + 4 Project (4 modules) Course Duration (if maximum modules taken): 2 years Prerequisites: Online Orientation to elearning. Mode of Study: Online tuition, Brief face-to-face meetings, online CATs, sit-in end of semester examinations Start Dates: January 2012, May 2012, September 2012

13 Modules Modules 13 Modules are examinable units for which a student will individually register and pay. All under-graduate elearning modules are offered in Module Levels 1, 2, 3 and 4. A Level is equivalent to a year of study in the corresponding full time programme in the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th years. Under-graduate degrees are awarded upon completion of a minimum of 56 modules, provided all the required conditions are met. The conditions include completing all core modules, sufficient IT modules and the required minimum of higher level modules. All elearning modules have prerequisites. Registration To register for a module, applicants are expected to fulfil the requirements of each module, including any prerequisites. The Online Orientation to elearning is a mandatory prerequisite for all the elearning modules. Higher level modules will have lower level prerequisites. Some modules will have prerequisites in the same Level. Participants will be expected to work progressively through the levels to build up the knowledge and skills desired. Prerequisites Modules can be completed in any order provided that all prerequisites for a given module have been met. If the same module is offered in more than one programme, the participant will take the module and later decide which degree programme to complete. All participants will be expected to have fulfilled all the requirements of a specific programme before they can be awarded the requisite Certificate, Diploma or Degree. To ensure efficient course delivery at the launch of the under-graduate elearning programmes, only specific Level 1 and other core modules leading to various degrees and the Post Graduate Diploma will be on offer as from January Course Schedules Course schedules and other information required by the applicant are available once the applicant is registered for a module.

14 Modules for Level 1 Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA, With IT) Modules Modules for Level 1 BSc (Mathematical Sciences, With IT) 14 Course Code ABA 101 Module Introduction to Business Studies Course Code SMA100 Analytical Geometry Module ABA 102 Elements of Management SMA 109 Foundation of Pure Mathematics ABA 103 Introduction to Accounting I SAS 103 Introduction to Probability Theory ABA 104 Elements of Marketing SAC 101 Principles of Actuarial Science AEC 101 Introduction to Microeconomics SMI 101 Multimedia Introduction to Statistics ABA 105 Communication Skills SAS 101 Descriptive Statistics SCS 101 Introduction to Computers I SAC 103 Mathematical Modelling ABA 105 ABA 106 SECOND SEMESTER Business Environment Business Law I SAC 105 SMA 102 Micro Economics SECOND SEMESTER Calculus I ABA 107 Management Mathematics I SMA 103 Linear Algebra I ABA 108 Business Communication SMA 110 Foundation of Applied Mathematics ABA 109 Introduction to Accounting II SAS 102 Probability and Distribution Theory I AEC 102 SCS 112 Introduction to Macroeconomics II Desktop publishing SAC 102 SMI 103 Fundamentals of Actuarial Mathematics I Handling Data SCS 114 Introduction to spread sheets & Databases SMI 104 Descriptive Statistical Analysis and Presentation SAS 104 Programming Methodology SAS 106 Introduction to Biostatistics SAC 104 Linear Models and Forecasting SAC 106 Macroeconomics Mode of study: Online tuition, online CATs, sit-in end of semester examinations Start date: January 2012, May 2012, September 2012 Fee per module: Ksh 5,600 Mode of study: Online tuition, online CATs, sit-in end of semester examinations Start date: January 2012, May 2012, September 2012 Fee per module: Ksh 5,600

15 Modules for Level 1 BSc (Mathematics and Business Studies,With IT) Course Code SMA 100 SMA 109 SMA 111 ABA 101 ABA 102 ABA 104 SMI 101 SMA 101 SAS 101 Basic Mathematics Module Foundation of Pure Mathematics Introduction to Probability and Distribution Theory Introduction to Business Studies Introduction to Management Elements of Marketing Multimedia Introduction to Statistics Analytical Geometry Descriptive Statistics Modules Modules for Level 1 Post Graduate Diploma in Education (PGDE ) Course Code ECT 510 ECT 511 EPY 510 EDU 510 EMA 511 ECT 512 EPY 511 EDF 512 Module 15 Session 1 General Methods of Teaching Educational Media and Resources Educational Psychology Research Methods Educational Administration Curriculum Development Human Growth and Development Sociology and Comparative Education ABA103 AEN 105 SMA 102 Introduction to Accounting Communication Skills. SECOND SEMESTER Calculus I EDF 511 ECT 513 EPY 512 Session II History of Education Educational Technology Human Behaviour & Learning SMA 103 SMA 110 Linear Algebra I Foundation of Applied Mathematics EPY 513 EMA 514 Educational Test, Measurement & Evaluation Planning & Economics of Education ABA 105 Business Environment EDF 210 Philosphy of Education ABA 106 Business Law I EMA 513 Environment Education ABA 108 Business Communication EDU 521 Research Project SMI 10 SMI 104 SAS 104 SAS 106 ABA 107 Handling Data Descriptive Statistics: Analysis and Presentation Programming Methodology Introduction to Biostatistics Management Mathematics I Mode of study: Online tuition, online CATs, sit-in end of semester examinations Start date: January 2012, May 2012, September 2012 Fee per module: Ksh 4,000 Mode of study: Online tuition, online CATs, sit-in end of semester examinations Start date: January 2012, May 2012, September 2012 Fee per module: Ksh 5,600

16 Modules 16 Core modules for MSc Research Methods Module Data Flow and Data Management Exploring, Describing and Presenting Data Statistical Modelling Study Design Communicating Research Mode of study: Online tuition, brief face-to-face meetings, online CATs, sit-in end of semester examinations Start date: January 2012, May 2012, September 2012 Fee per module: Ksh 12,500

17 Fees elearning programmes are affordable. The fee structure for prospective students enrolling in the academic year is as follows: Fees 17 Under-graduate programmes Yearly statutory fee Tuition Examination Per module fees 4, Total for 56 modules. Registration Student ID 1, Material Development 600 Library access fee Online Orientation and support ,900 5,600 Total (Statutory fee excluded): 313, 600 Post-Graduate Diploma in Education (PGDE) Yearly statutory fee Per module fees Total for 19 modules. Tuition Examination Registration Student ID Material Development Library access fee Online Orientation and support 1, ,900 3, ,000 Total (Statutory fee excluded): 76,000

18 Master of Science Degree in Research Methods Yearly statutory fee Per module fees Total for 16 modules. 18 Tuition Examination Registration Student ID Material Development Library access fee Online Orientation and support 1, ,900 11, ,500 Ksh 200,000 Thesis (8 Modules) Project (4 Modules) Coursework (8 Modules) + Thesis(8 Modules) Coursework (12 Modules) + Project (4 Modules) Ksh 100,000 Ksh 50,000 Ksh 200,000 Ksh 200,000 Online application To apply, visit programmes. Applicants must provide a valid address and mobile phone number in the application. Should you experience any difficulties in the application process, kindly send an or call us using the contact information given below. Deadline There is NO APPLICATION DEADLINE for the elearning programmes. If your application is accepted, you will be informed of the next available intake for your programme. Intakes in 2012 will be demand driven and several new elearning programmes currently under development will be launched later in the year. Application fees do not apply for elearning programmes. Contact us For further information please contact: The elearning Centre Kisumu City Campus College 10th Floor, Varsity Plaza P.O Box, Kisumu KENYA Tel: Mobile: or send us a message using the Contact us Tab on our web site. For further information on our new programmes, visit

19 About the elearning Centre 19 The elearning Centre was established in the year 2007 to spearhead the development of institutional policies and strategies for promoting the innovative use of Information and Communications Technologies (ICTs) to benefit learning, teaching and research activities at the University. The centre is located on the 10th Floor, Varsity Plaza, Kisumu City Campus College. The centre prides itself in a results-oriented core staff and an ambient open plan work environment. The elearning modules are developed and delivered by staff seconded from various academic departments. A number of academic staff, including Johnson Kobiero, Beatrice Okoth, Dr Michael Oduor, Dr Wycliffe H. Odiwuor and Prof Alex Okoth are among the leading lights who have been trained, since the year 2005, on Instructional Design for various delivery modes for Open and Distance Learning programmes. These training activities were part of the wider vision borne by the immediate former Vice-Chancellor, Prof Frederick N Onyango, that aimed at developing learning approaches that would guarantee real-time reach to students in multiple locations in a cost-effective way. The centre has transitioned considerably in the last two years by furthering this vision and embracing a more contemporary approach to technology-based learning, teaching and research practices to exploit the transformative potential of the Internet and other ICTs in higher education. The centre has enjoyed enormous good will and support from the Vice-Chancellor, Prof Dominic W Makawiti, the University management, Deans and Directors, Principal Kisumu City Campus College, Chairmen of Department, all teaching and non-teaching staff and also students, many of whom have actively participated in the pilot runs of various modules. The Dean Faculty of Science, Prof J A Ogonji, Chairman of the Mathematics and Applied Statistics Department, Prof Omolo-Ongati and Dr David Stern have been able to provide some early examples of contextualised elearning best practices drawn from their internal departmental elearning initiatives. Through the elearning Centre, therefore, the university hopes to gradually support academic staff empowerment in modern communication and collaborative learning techniques to enable them contribute significantly to quality learning experiences among participants in elearning programmes regardless of their physical location. The Director elearning is Dr Betty Obura Ogange. Prof Alex Okoth is the Coordinator Capacity Building and Change Management, Dr Mildred Ayere is the Coordinator Research, Monitoring and Evaluation, Dr David Stern is the Coordinator of Content Development, while Ms Beatrice Okoth is the Coordinator Learner Support. The centre has a host of other dedicated technical staff that provide the requisite support in the e-content development and delivery process.

20 MASENO UNIVERSITY Putting the Learner First