By: ‘Maseipone Mokhethi
Maseru, July. 31 – Online education is a way of gaining knowledge through use of electronic devices consisting of mobiles, laptops and computers amongst others as according to the Ministry of Education and Training (MoET), Open and Distance Learning (ODL) Draft Policy 2022.
This learning method gives provision for instructors to deliver teaching to students alienated from the trainer by supporting regular, consistent and substantive interaction between students and instructors. ODL speaks to wireless communication devices, internet, one-way and two-way transmissions as some of the primary means for assessment.
The Policy also identifies online education as a dynamic mode of delivery cutting across the educational limitations, removing barriers by increasing access to learners, from basic education to tertiary level. This mode of delivery goes beyond formal education and unveils access to non-formal and lifelong education, allowing not only the youth but also the working and non-working adults to access demand driven programmes based on needs assessment.
Guided learner-centeredness, openness, flexibility, improved quality and relevance, as well as cost-effectiveness principles, ODL delivery aspires for realisation of Sustainable Development Goals (SDG’s), that is universal and quality education for all, networking, collaboration, and partnerships across SADC member states.
Although Urban centres enjoy certain access to online education in different stages of learning, including primary and high schools as well as tertiary institutions, this is not the case with rural communities as according to information gathered from the Minister of Education and Training (MoET), Professor Ntoi Rapapa during educational forums.
“Rural communities lack behind due to various reasons that include unemployment, poverty and the nature of topographies in their areas”. He adds. He says the plight of Covid-19 has taught the country that it should move fast hence deployment of network infrastructure to ease learning at Lesotho College of Education (LCE) and Lerotholi Polytechnic (LP) and other institutions through Universal Service Fund (USF).
“We will journey on, supporting all schools countrywide despite challenges. For instance, we recently managed to give out computers to St. Theresa high school in Thaba-Tseka recently.”
Speaking with the Agency, Information Communication Technology (ICT) Director, Ministry of Information, Communications, Science, Technology and Innovation says, at least more than 70 computers and solar installation to schools that have no electricity have been given for e-learning enhancement.
Some of these schools according to Mr. Khiba Masiu are St. Stephens high school Mohale’s Hoek, Seeiso high school Mokhotlong and Paray high school Thaba-Tseka to mention a few.
He points out that more work in relation to fibre connectivity is yet to be done, indicating the Ministry has validated digital transformation strategy and national digital policy. “We will soon come up with a roll out implementation plan for execution.”
In an endeavour to gather rural communities’ insight concerning online education, the Agency toured various Community Councils in the country namely: Thaba-Tseka, Mokhotlong and Mohale’s Hoek to mention a few. Those quizzed are adamant this mode of learning is vital though they lack financial muscle to buy mobile phones and data for learners.
One of the parents, Mrs. ‘Masabelo Hlekoaeo of Makhaleng Thaba-Tseka indicates that within Linakeng Council K05, she is aware schools have since adapted to mobile phones as means of learning. “We do embrace the changes but the difficulty is, we do not have electricity in our area for recharging mobiles, additionally we are unemployed and are unable to keep up with the technological demands”. She points out.
Therefore, Community Councillor in this area, Mr. Maenete Letuka calls for electrification installation, saying the community has opted for solar placed at one of the shops within the Council, where those with mobiles normally recharge.
On one hand, Menoaneng Council J04 lies in the middle of Mokhotlong and Thaba-Tseka district. On behalf of Area Chief, Mr. Teboho Mokhachane states that although some rural communities are unfamiliar with online style of learning, they want their children not to be left behind but keep up with those in the Urban centres, urging the government to consider their case speedily.
On the other hand, Auxiliary Social Worker based at Mpharane-Mohale’s Hoek within Thaba-Mokhele Community Council F05, where some young girls are said to drop out of school at an early age, due to unintended pregnancies, Mrs. ‘Mankopane Thamae says maybe considering use of online learning could be vital in keeping learners engaged.
Reatile Kotelo aged 15, grade 10 learners at Mount Carmel high school in Mpharane says at their school, they do not use mobile phones as part of learning. “This leaves us behind and unaware of the modern changes,” She explains.
She calls relevant authorities to assist not only through mobile phones but availability of computers as well for the inception of online education at early stages.
It appears digital transformation has taken priority in the 2024/25 budget as M166 million has been allocated for ICT infrastructure, this in line with National Strategic Development Plan II review extension that puts technology at the top in a bid to improve economic growth.
Meanwhile, Digital 2021 Lesotho – ‘DATAREPORTAL,’ reports that there were 1.11 million internet users in Lesotho at the beginning of 2023, when internet penetration stood at 48.0 percent. The country was home to 489.5 thousand social media users in January 2023, equating to 21.1 percent of the total population.
Moreover, a total of 2.43 million cellular mobile networks were active into 104.8 percent of the total population. Rural communities are said to have less access than their counterparts in the Urban centres.
Sharing his sentiments about the state of online learning in the Urban Centres, Lesia Combined School Principal, Mr. Mathafeng Moteuli says they are now in partnership with the Ministry of Information together with ECONET Lesotho with the aim to ensure free WIFI for students. “I believe that mobile networks in the country would not have a problem doing a similar exercise with schools in the rural areas, especially where electricity has already been installed”. He adds.
In the quest to meet the society halfway, the government through the Ministry of Information led by Minister Nthati Moorosi earlier led the launching of the E-Services outlets model.
This with the objective to capacitate skills and business values so that internet connection and penetration becomes successful. Additionally, 10 postal services are to be turned into E-Services centres as well as some schools countrywide in order to maximise reach.
With the Ministry of Information having earmarked the 2024 year of 200 years Basotho existence as strengthening of technology and installation of transmitters in some parts of rural areas, it remains yet to be seen how the Ministry with local mobile network companies would maximise reach and access in the technological spectrum.
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