TEC and Commonwealth of Learning Lead Workshop on Digital Education Innovation

The Tertiary Education Commission (TEC), in collaboration with the Commonwealth of Learning (CoL), has launched a two-day capacity-building workshop for Higher Education Institutions and stakeholders on online facilitation, artificial intelligence (AI), and inclusive technologies for Open and Distance Learning (ODL).

Dr. Issa Fofanah, Chairperson of the Workshop, opened the session by welcoming participants and expressing enthusiasm for the workshop’s topics, emphasizing their importance to the development of education in Sierra Leone. He encouraged all stakeholders to actively engage in the discussions.

In his address, Professor A.M. Alghali, Chairman of TEC, expressed his delight at the gathering of like-minded individuals united by a shared interest in harnessing AI to innovate and transform teaching, learning, and skill acquisition. He highlighted the immense potential of AI and inclusive technologies in improving accessibility, quality, and inclusivity in higher education.

“The integration of AI and inclusive technologies into ODL presents a unique opportunity to tackle challenges in the education sector, aligning with global trends while meeting the diverse needs of learners in Sierra Leone and the region,” Professor Alghali noted.

The Minister of Technical and Higher Education, Dr. Haja Ramatulai Wurie, delivered the keynote address, stressing that the workshop’s focus on AI and inclusive technologies comes at a critical moment for Sierra Leone’s education sector. She called for the integration of online facilitation and AI tools into ODL, asserting their necessity for improving educational outcomes across the country.

“This workshop is timely as it has the potential to revolutionize education in Sierra Leone,” Dr. Wurie said, adding that the Ministry is committed to an education vision that is inclusive, equitable, and transformative.

The workshop also featured presentations on AI and curriculum development by various stakeholders, exploring how AI can be applied to enhance the educational experience and improve curriculum design.

The event reflects Sierra Leone’s ongoing efforts to modernize its education sector by integrating digital tools and technologies that will help shape the future of higher education in the country.