Excerpt
The Centre for National Distance Learning and Open Schooling (CENDLOS) is a pivotal institution in Ghana’s educational landscape, dedicated to enhancing learning through technology and distance education.
Historical Background
Established in 2002, CENDLOS was initially known as the President’s Special Initiative on Distance Learning (PSI-DL). Since 2003, in collaboration with public and private partners, including educators and media institutions, CENDLOS has been producing audio-visual lessons to supplement pre-tertiary education. These lessons were broadcast on GTV, aiming to support students, particularly those from underperforming schools.
Mandate and Constitutional Role
CENDLOS operates under the Ministry of Education with a core mandate to regulate, control, and advise on online education and open schooling in Ghana. Its mission is to provide leadership in the country’s Open, Distance, and Electronic Learning (ODeL) space, ensuring that technology becomes an essential tool in educational service delivery at all levels.
Organizational Structure and Leadership
The organizational structure of CENDLOS includes an Executive Director at the helm, supported by various departments and specialized units. The leadership team comprises experienced professionals in education and technology, working collaboratively to achieve the institution’s objectives. The Executive Director is appointed by the Ministry of Education, following established governmental procedures for such positions.
Collaborations and Partnerships
CENDLOS collaborates with various stakeholders, including government agencies, educational institutions, and international organizations, to advance its mission. Notable partnerships include those with Plan Ghana, Dubai Cares, FCDO, and UKAID, which have been instrumental in projects like the construction of multimedia content production studios.
Achievements
Over the years, CENDLOS has made significant strides in integrating technology into education. Notable achievements include:
E-Learning Experience:
- Accumulated over two decades of experience in e-learning, enhancing educational accessibility and quality.
Teacher Training:
- Trained approximately 11,713 teachers in ICT, equipping them with the skills to effectively incorporate technology into their teaching methodologies.
Infrastructure Development:
- Installed 243 iBox devices in pre-tertiary schools, facilitating offline access to digital educational content.
Student Engagement:
- Engaged around 130,000 users on the iCampus platform, providing students with interactive and relevant educational resources.
Future Outlook
Looking ahead, CENDLOS aims to further integrate technology into Ghana’s educational system, promoting hybrid learning models that combine traditional classroom instruction with digital platforms. This approach seeks to make education more accessible and adaptable to the evolving needs of learners in the digital age.
References
- https://cendlos.gov.gh/about/
- https://cendlos.gov.gh/
- https://cendlos.gov.gh/the-cendlos-studios/
- https://www.ghana.gov.gh/mdas/64d47e4130/apply/
- https://www.myjoyonline.com/ghana-is-ready-for-hybrid-learning-and-education-cendlos/
- https://docs.edtechhub.org/lib/446NUNEW
- https://www.schoolandcollegelistings.com/GH/Accra/116277888539360/CENDLOS
- https://cendlos.gov.gh/training/
- https://citinewsroom.com/2023/01/cendlos-to-create-sustained-digital-pathways-in-gtvet-cea-education/
- https://www.schoolandcollegelistings.com/GH/Accra/106159478408014/Centre-for-National-Distance-Learning-and-Open-Schooling–Cendlos
- https://schoolfinder.tortoisepath.com/school/centre-for-national-distance-learning-and-open-schooling-cendlos/