KIU Strengthens Digital Teaching Capacity Through Virtual Classroom Training

By Hattie Wright

KIU, Main Campus - On Tuesday, 18 August 2026, the Directorate of Digital, Distance and E‑Learning at Kampala International University (KIU) conducted a capacity‑building training aimed at equipping postgraduate academic staff and Teaching and Learning Coordinators (TLCs) with the skills required to effectively moderate classes on the KIU E‑Learning Virtual Classroom platform.

The training focused on enhancing the delivery of interactive, well‑managed online sessions. The Virtual Classroom platform provides a wide range of engagement tools, including typed messaging, audio‑visual interaction, and breakout rooms for collaborative group discussions.

Opening the session, Dr. Wamala Joseph Matovu, Director of Distance and E‑Learning, emphasized that the platform will significantly improve classroom moderation and overall teaching efficiency.

Dr. Jacob Eneji Ashibi, Deputy Vice-Chancellor Academic Affairs (DVC-AA), highlighted KIU’s ongoing transition from manual, physical interaction to a modern virtual learning ecosystem. “We want students to start taking classes wherever they are beginning this August intake. The E‑Learning Virtual Classroom will help us improve our teaching formats as we evolve with technological advancements,” he noted.

The first presentation, delivered by Mr. Emmanuel Lawani, Digital Learning Specialist, covered course structuring requirements, basic navigation of the Learning Management System (LMS), and how lecturers can edit or modify course content. He demonstrated how instructors can embed additional learning resources to enhance content delivery.

In the second presentation, Oluwadamilare Peter Jegede, Digital Learning Specialist, demonstrated the functionality of the Virtual Classroom. He showed how students can upload presentations, ask questions, receive feedback, and participate in monitored group discussions. He explained that the system supports up to 45 breakout groups, enabling rich collaborative learning. He also confirmed that students will undergo orientation to ensure familiarity with the platform.

Key learning areas included - virtual classroom setup and scheduling; session moderation and classroom control; live engagement tools such as polls, whiteboards, and breakout rooms; recording sessions and integrating them with Moodle for flipped learning; and practical simulations and interactive Q&A.

During the Q&A session moderated by Dr. Olubusayo Fakuade Victor, Dr. Ashibi assured participants that internet access across the university will be strengthened to support teaching from comfortable and flexible locations.

In closing, Dr. Wamala reaffirmed the Directorate’s commitment to continuous support as staff adapt to the new system. “We learn through mistakes, and whenever you face challenges, we shall be available to help,” he said.

By investing in digital teaching innovations, KIU continues to empower its academic community and enhance student learning experiences - ensuring the university remains at the forefront of modern, technology‑driven education delivery.