• About

    Introduction

    The University of Global Health Equity (UGHE) is a young university full of hope and promise. Our purpose is to create a university that will advance global health delivery by training a new generation of global health leaders who are equipped in not just building but also sustaining effective and equitable health systems.

    UGHE is a very special place, and as such should have its e-Learning future planted in a thoughtful, supportive, meaningful soil that reflects the unique qualities of the institution and assists the university in accomplishing its goals. There are many stakeholders involved in the UGHE mission: Students; faculty; staff; the community of Burera District, East Africa; and the many other UGHE supporters around the world. Its fundamental, bold ideals are rooted in the ultimate goal of transforming the world. 

    Working Toward e-Learning Vision

    Assuring quality e-Learning at UGHE will require institutional vision, commitment, leadership and sound planning. To capture UGHE’s unique spirit, it will also require creative approaches to instruction. Therefore, when creating an e-Learning vision for UGHE, it is valuable to begin with several core constructs grounded in the values of UGHE, while allowing us to make sure our instruction is innovative and of the highest quality. The following is a list of values and constructs that can help us on that path:

    • AGACIRO-Dignity
    • KUGIRA ISHYAKA- Loyalty
    • UBUMWE-Solidarity
    • UBUMUNTU-I am, because you are
    • UBUPFURA- Integrity
    • UBUNYAN GAMUGAYO-Wisdom
    • UBWUBAHANE-Mutual respect and trust

    These values can be used to guide us in our decision-making processes. (For example, when developing blended or online learning courses, it is important to think of the dignity of the students involved and treat them with respect.) These values can also help us maintain focus on understanding that we are part of a team and that one of our main goals is to support the faculty in their goals.

    In addition to these values, it is important for e-Learning for staff to recognize and incorporate other important values and practices into the approach:

    • Equity– Equity is one of the main reasons for the development of e-Learning programs at UGHE. This is because access to programs will be available to people all over the world and people who do not have the time to attend UGHE full-time.
    • Adaptability– The adaptability and flexibility of e-Learning at UGHE will be a critical part of its fabric as it develops and evolves. UGHE will be growing and changing for years to come and its e-Learning solutions should be able to change and grow with it. This will require an openness, evaluation of the technologies implemented and creativity.
    • Social Practice– A core part of the strength of UGHE is the powerful sense of community and the connections made here between the students, faculty and staff. When creating e-Learning solutions, such as an online learning environment for UGHE, it will be critical to find ways to continue maintaining these connections. One way to continue this is through the development of social practice, the practice of creating human connections on the internet.
     

    The chart below displays how UGHE e-Learning connects with the many components of the university. It is important for those conducting e-Learning to maintain this focus on all of these components so that we can implement a comprehensive approach to e-Learning practices