KNUST Faculty Complete Four-Day Instructional Design Workshop to Enhance Online Teaching

Selected faculty members from six colleges of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi, have successfully completed a four-day instructional design workshop organized by the KNUST E-Learning Centre. Held from Tuesday, January 13 to Friday, January 16, 2026, the workshop aimed to build staff capacity for online and blended teaching, equipping lecturers with practical skills to design effective courses, engage learners, and leverage digital platforms such as Moodle and Microsoft Teams.

Participants were grouped into cohorts and guided through structured modules focusing on key aspects of course design, learner support, assessment, and digital delivery. Topics covered included online student success strategies, multimedia tools for online facilitation, instructor presence, and best practices for using virtual learning platforms. Faculty members also toured the E-Learning Centre’s studios and facilities to understand how institutional support integrates with teaching, assessment, and overall course delivery.

Speaking at the closing session, Professor Samuel Asare-Nkansah, representing the Vice-Chancellor and Pro-Vice-Chancellor, emphasized the importance of instructional design in the University’s academic strategy. “This training is critical because teaching and learning are evolving. Students learn in different ways, and staff need the skills to design courses that respond to these needs. Management appreciates your commitment and expects you to apply these skills in your colleges,” he said.

Participants shared feedback during the final session, with many noting that the workshop helped them understand the unique engagement needs of online learners compared to traditional face-to-face teaching. One participant remarked, “I now see that online learning requires different techniques, especially to keep students engaged during assessments and activities.”

Professor Nana Ewusi Mensah, Head of the Instructional Design Unit, highlighted that the workshop introduced participants to the foundations of instructional design and encouraged them to become resource persons within their colleges, supporting colleagues and promoting knowledge sharing. “What we covered is just the beginning. We expect participants to take these skills to their departments and help others improve course design and delivery,” he noted, adding that future training phases would build on the skills introduced during this workshop.

Professor Emmanuel Kofi Akowuah, Director of the KNUST E-Learning Centre, reaffirmed the University’s commitment to investing in digital learning. “We want to see tangible changes in how courses are designed and delivered. Practice is key, and our staff will have continuous support from the E-Learning Centre. Later this year, we will roll out shorter, targeted sessions to deepen specific skills in online teaching,” he said.

The four-day workshop underscores KNUST’s dedication to enhancing teaching quality, embracing technological tools, and responding to the evolving needs of students. By equipping faculty with instructional design expertise, the University aims to strengthen online and blended learning practices, improve student engagement, and maintain high academic standards across all colleges.