Wide World in Uganda, CYP in Ghana – Lessons to share

Abstract

The focus of this study was to do a comparative study of two international distance learning programs in Africa – WIDE World in Uganda and Commonwealth Youth Program [CYP] in Ghana to find out how the two programs could impact on each other for effective implementation. The study revealed that putting the two courses side by side there are a lot of similarities and differences that emerge for an effective comparison - Uganda and Ghana are two African countries that share similar demographics; the WIDE World and CYP programs are both distance learning programs designed for professional development and majority of the course participants are teachers. However, in addition to other factors whiles the WIDE World model harnesses the potentials of modern technology like internet for online delivery, discussions and exercises to facilitate the teaching learning process and makes the course more accessible, and adult – friendly the CYP model does not. On the other hand, the WIDE World model does not take cognizance of learners’ commitment to traditional learning media [face-to-face] and how it influences their learning styles. It will be appreciable to consider reviewing the course models to respond to these concerns. The key lesson for the CYP model in Ghana is that though there might be existing infrastructural and institutional challenges, if it has been possible to use modern technology [internet] to undertake online course in Uganda, it could be possible in Ghana as well.