In a significant and forward-thinking move to enhance education in Botswana, the Botswana Open University (BOU) College of Open Schooling has developed an extensive range of e-learning resources on the Moodle Learning Management System (LMS). Launched in 2020 with a successful business subject pilot, BOU’s e-learning initiative has expanded across the curriculum, showcasing the college’s commitment to modernising and broadening educational access in Botswana.

One of the most commendable aspects of BOU’s approach is the openness of the e-learning resources. These materials are not confined to BOU students alone but are also accessible to conventional schools across Botswana. Both Junior Secondary and Senior Secondary students can benefit from these resources, which supplement their existing curriculum and provide additional support for their studies.

A noteworthy development in this ongoing effort is the recent inclusion of a new vocational subject, Hospitality and Tourism. Scheduled to enrol its first cohort of students in 2025, this programme highlights the university’s responsiveness to the evolving needs of the job market and its dedication to providing students with relevant, career-oriented education.

The collaboration between BOU and the Commonwealth of Learning (COL) is led by Dr Tommie Hamaluba (BOU) and Dr Tony Mays, Director: Education at COL. This is part of a broader effort to bridge the digital divide that exists in Botswana, particularly between urban and rural areas. Digital inclusion is crucial in ensuring students from all backgrounds have equal educational opportunities.

BOU’s expansion of e-learning offerings and educator training in digital tools positions it as an educational innovation leader in Botswana, potentially serving as a model for other institutions by demonstrating the power of technology to create opportunities for diverse learners.

Dr Mays observed that while the general direction of open schooling provision is digital and online, not all communities are yet ready for the full transition. However, a central digital platform can form the basis for several different forms of provision, including digitally-enriched contact provision, blended learning and fully online provision, depending on the relative readiness of both learners and teachers in different places.

BOU’s College of Open Schooling’s development of e-learning resources on Moodle is a landmark achievement that benefits students nationwide. By addressing the digital divide and providing educators with the tools they need to succeed, BOU is improving access to education and ensuring it is of the highest quality.