By Philip Machoka

Dr. Philip Machoka, Director of e-Learning at USIU-Africa Online, recently took part in a panel discussion on "Assessment and Evaluation of Online Learning" during the Mastercard Foundation EdTech Conference in Abuja, Nigeria. The event centered on the theme “Education Technology for Resilient and Inclusive Learning in Africa” and brought together top education technology experts, thought leaders, and policymakers from across the continent to explore transformative innovations in African higher education.

Dr. Machoka shared the stage with renowned experts, including Dr. Yousif Asfour from the American University of Beirut and Prof. Robert Oboko, Dean of the Faculty of Science & Technology at the University of Nairobi. The discussion was moderated by Ivy Mwai, Head of the Scholars Program Partner Network at the Mastercard Foundation.

The panel discussion delved into the critical aspects of assessment and evaluation in online learning, with a specific focus on the African context. Key topics explored included effective strategies for measuring student learning outcomes, ensuring quality assurance, and overcoming challenges in online education. The session also highlighted the importance of continuous improvement and the role of EdTech in making education more resilient and inclusive across Africa. Key takeaways from the session included:

• A deeper understanding of capacity-building requirements for integrating EdTech in African higher education.
• Best practices and innovative approaches for sustaining EdTech capacity among educators, students, and institutions.
• Calls for greater dialogue and collaboration among stakeholders to support EdTech capacity-building across the continent.
• Proposals for strengthening EdTech’s role in driving educational transformation in Africa.

Dr. Machoka's participation emphasized USIU-Africa's commitment to leveraging technology for enhanced educational experiences. His insights contributed to shaping the future of online assessment and evaluation in African higher education, fostering a stronger foundation for the growth of EdTech across the continent.

The Mastercard Foundation EdTech Conference continues to be a leading platform for driving conversations and collaborations to foster resilient and inclusive education in Africa. The resolutions and recommendations from this event are expected to guide future EdTech strategies and implementations across various institutions.