2024

The ABC BlendEd 2024 course concluded as a successful collaborative initiative focused on student development and academic networking.  

The kick-off meeting was hosted and facilitated by Makerere University from 20th to 24th May 2024 at the Makerere University Agricultural Research Institute, Kabanyolo, (MUARIK) in the Graduate Training and Research Laboratory building.  

Two projects i.e. improved seed availability and animal waste management , were chosen and students formes the teams. A more detailed overview of the projects can be found here.  

During the meeting, students attended five seminars whose content would support the objective of enhanced employability as was stipulated in the project document. Appropriate possible topical areas thought to be of priority in supporting students to develop the desired skills that would enable them work better together on their projects and consequently enhance their marketability were suggested. For each topic, an institution was selected to develop the content that would be delivered in seminar form just before or during the kick of meeting. A More detailed overview of the conducted seminars can be found here.

The one–week closure meeting for the 2023/24 Edition was held in Nigeria, hosted at the Federal University of Technology, Minna from 22nd to 26th July 2024 in the Africa Centre of Excellence for mycotoxin and food safety (ACEMFS). The students presented their work and were graded collectively in their teams during the final pitch presentations of their proposed solutions to the allocated challenge (improved seed availability and animal waste management). With the agreed criteria of (a) the process of working together (marked out of 33); (b) usability of the solution/product (marked out of 34) and (c) presentation skills (marked out of 33); the final score was 90% for the waste management team and 88% for the seed team.  

Here is a summary of the 2024 pilot course outcomes:

Event Overview

The program utilized a hands-on, problem-based approach to bridge the gap between traditional learning and professional readiness. By organizing students into diverse teams, the event served as a practical laboratory for both soft skills and professional networking.

Key Takeaways

1. Student Skill Development

The core of the event centered on “soft skill” acquisition. Participants showed significant improvement in:

• Interpersonal Dynamics: Navigating team environments and developing cultural sensitivity.
• Professional Communication: Refining presentation and general communication abilities.
• Self-Management: Strengthening problem-solving capabilities and individual accountability.

2. Academic Networking

Beyond student benefits, the event acted as a strategic platform for faculty. Lecturers established new professional networks intended to foster future collaborative activities and cross-university partnerships.

3. Future Outlook

The event highlighted the effectiveness of “interactive orientation” in education. The primary recommendation following the program is to sustain this pedagogical approach to ensure universities continue to produce graduates who are responsive to real-world challenges.