Poly embraces technological upgrade
In the picture from left to right is Dr Delvaline Mowes, Director of COLL, Mr Jan Nitschke, Deputy Director: Programme and Materials Development, NAMCOL, Mrs Audrey Poulton, Programme Developer, NAMCOL, Mr Isabella Katjerungu, Programme Developer, NAMCOL and Professor Tjama Tjivikua, Rector, Polytechnic of Namibia. (Photograph by Mandisa Rasmeni)
The Layar application is a software that will enable students to use their smart-phones to scan videos from their study guides (print) and bring them to life, it is compatible with both operating systems for iPhones and Android. Polytechnic is the first institution in Namibia to use the Layar application for educational purposes.
Layar is a free application and students just to do download the application on to their smart phones. Prof Tjivikua said at the launch that exciting times are ahead for the students and that they should use Layar to enhance their study materials.
“Layar as a pioneering and exciting new technology, has developed a cutting edge tool that allows for a meaningful, digitally enhanced view of the real world and it provides students and educators with an innovative way to enrich physical media with layers of digital information that can be continuously updated”, he said. Tjivikua added that layar makes it possible to embed automated assessments into learning material in order to provide targeted feedback to lecturers on how students are mastering concepts presented to them and that University brochures and prospectuses can come alive,which will also attract international students and partnerships.
“This latest integration of technology certainly adds value and speaks to our culture of innovation and excellence, which distinguishes us as a transformative University of Science and Technology” said Tjivikua.
Meanwhile, certificates where also handed over to Open and Distance Learning (ODL) Practitioners from Namibia College of Open Learning (NAMCOL), who participated in COLLs professional development of eLearning Short Course for on -line Course Developers and Tutors, which was approved by the Southern African Development Community – Centre for Distance Education (SADC-CDE). The course was taught on line to participant from Namibia and Botswana to capacitate them in design and development of eLearning courses.
