Ebène:The Commonwealth of Learning (COL) Regional Focal Points Meeting, focused on Open Education in Africa, commenced this morning in Ebène. The event is centered on enhancing flexible learning approaches, technological innovation, and regional partnerships to address the evolving educational demands and skills requirements across the continent.
According to Government of Mauritius, the meeting gathers regional focal points and representatives from higher education institutions over two days to explore advancements in open education and learning opportunities. The agenda includes themes such as open and distance learning, micro-credentials, and AI governance, aiming to bolster collaboration between COL and its member countries.
Dr. Kaviraj Sharma Sukon, Minister of Tertiary Education, Science and Research, and Professor Peter Scott, President and CEO of COL, were among the key figures at the opening ceremony. Dr. Sukon emphasized aligning higher education with labor market needs, mentioning the incorporation of micro-credentials in legislation and curriculum reviews to equip graduates with relevant skills. He stressed the importance of academia-industry collaboration to address skill mismatches.
Dr. Sukon also highlighted the impact of artificial intelligence on teaching and assessment methods, advocating for guidelines to ensure its responsible use. He noted AI's potential in personalized learning and called for regional cooperation to overcome connectivity and electricity challenges hindering digital education in Africa.
Professor Scott emphasized collective action among Commonwealth countries to tackle educational inequalities and ensure youth participation in shaping their futures. He praised Mauritius for its dedication to educational innovation and the importance of sharing experiences within the Commonwealth to strengthen educational partnerships.
