KIU Strengthens Digital Learning Through Staff Training on Course Material Development

By Hattie Wright

KIU, Main Campus: Kampala International University (KIU), in collaboration with the School of Digital and Distance Learning, has trained staff on developing course materials for e-learning programmes.

Held on Tuesday, 10th November 2026, at KIU, Main Campus, the workshop brought together academic staff and lecturers to strengthen their capacity to design, develop and manage high-quality digital learning content for students studying through online platforms.

Speaking at the training, Dr. Joseph Wamal Matovu, Director of Distance and E-Learning, stressed the importance of well-developed course materials in delivering effective online education. He noted that e-learning cannot succeed without comprehensive and accessible learning resources, adding that the initiative will promote consistency in teaching and learning across the University.

“We are introducing self-paced e-learning programmes that will provide flexibility for students with competing commitments who may not always be able to attend classes. Through these programmes, students will be able to study at their convenience regardless of location. We therefore encourage lecturers to develop quality course materials that will support both teaching and learning,” Dr. Matovu said.

Dr. Jacob Eneji Ashibi, Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, also underscored the need for quality course materials and urged lecturers to uphold academic integrity in their work. He encouraged staff to use Artificial Intelligence (AI) ethically and responsibly, noting that while AI can boost productivity and support content development, its misuse could undermine critical thinking and human creativity. 

Dr. Ashibi also added that students are increasingly able to identify AI-generated content, making it essential for educators to apply professional judgement and maintain authenticity in teaching and assessment.

The training was facilitated by Emmanuel Lawani, a Digital E-Learning Specialist, who guided participants on content design, development, adaptation and adoption. He also cautioned lecturers against plagiarism, highlighting risks such as improper attribution of sources, unintentional duplication of existing work, unverified knowledge claims and fabricated citations.

Another facilitator, Peter Jegede Oluwadamilare, also a Digital E-Learning Specialist, encouraged staff to embrace AI as a tool for enhancing productivity and improving content development. He explained that the materials being developed will support the implementation of the Competency-Based Education and Training (CBET) curriculum and will be uploaded to the University’s Open Educational Resources platform for wider access and use.

The training reflects KIU’s continued commitment to using technology to enhance teaching and learning. By equipping lecturers with the skills to develop quality digital content, the University is strengthening its capacity to deliver flexible, accessible and student-centred education while advancing innovation in higher learning.