A one day training workshop on Model Learning Management System organized by the directorate of Open Distance Flexible E-Learning ( ODFEL) of the Federal Polytechnic Oko has ended with a call on Lecturers to seek the potential use of information and communication technologies (ICT) to facilitate their flexible teaching needs.

The Rector, Federal Polytechnic Oko, Dr. Chioma Irene Awuzie while declaring the workshop open reflected on the import of the Modern learning management systems (LMS) which she described as the ICT intervention that aids teaching and learning.

She noted that Learning management systems help the instructor deliver material to the students, administer tests and other assignments, track student progress, and manage record-keeping even as she declared further that distance is no longer a barrier to qualitative learning.

The Rector, represented by the Deputy Rector Administration, Dr. Ferguson Ezeokafor stressed that one can always study at the comfort of his zone without necessarily coming to the institution to sit in the classroom to be taught, adding that “with this training workshop, one is expected to study 70 percent online and 30 percent practical for examinations”

She encouraged all the participating lecturers to be part of the important training as that would take the Federal Polytechnic Oko to a higher pedestal in the near future.

The Rector appreciated the director of ODFEL, Dr. Chikwelu Mbonu for making the workshop a success.

Earlier, the Director, Open Distance and Flexible E-Learning (ODFEL) Dr. Chikwelu Mbonu emphasized that the programme was established to drive the integration of technology into teaching, learning and administration at the Federal Polytechnic Oko, noting that prior to his appointment as the director by Dr. Chioma Irene Awuzie, the programme was lying fallow but has now been resuscitated.

Dr. Mbonu, however, said that the Rector has given approval for the procurement of ODFEL software and cost wares which Nigeria Board for Technical Education ( NBTE) is the sole provider.

He stressed that their mandate encompasses the development and management of the institution’s E_Learning infrastructure, the training of staff and students on digital learning platforms and promotion of flexible, accessible and high quality education and technology.

In pursuance of this mandate, Mbonu noted that ODFEL has been working gently to deploy and operationalise the muddy learning management system.

The Director therefore, commended the Rector Dr. Chioma Awuzie for her visionary leadership and unwavering support to the initiative.

He stressed that the workshop was able to thrive because the Rector considered it worthy of approval, noting that endorsement of the training programme is not only an administrative act but a powerful statement of the direction in which this institution is headed.

Dr. Mbonu commended the resource persons whom he described as experienced professionals, urging the trainees to practice and engage what they will learn in the training workshop while assuring those already acclimatised to work with a traditional classroom that this training is an invitation to a digital classroom.