KAMPALA, UGANDA: Victoria University has clarified on the new nominal fee introduced for its state of the art learning management system (VClass) as it bids to ensure meaningful and interactive online lessons without interruption.
The VClass learning platform which registered massive success during the covid-19 pandemic features blended modules that enable students attend to virtual classes online and even sit for examinations online, an innovation that has proved to be a transformation in today’s education sector.
In a notice dated April 06 addressed to students, Victoria University Vice Chancellor Dr Lawrence Mugánga said the newly introduced VCLASS fees will help in covering the cost of developing and maintaining the e-learning platform and its extended modules such as hosting and storing live lectures, and the administration of examinations.
“The University has for some time single-handedly shouldered the cost of developing and maintaining VCLASS. The cost of developing VCLASS hosting and storing live lectures, and administration of examinations is extremely expensive, and it is imperative that both the students and the
university share the cost,” said Dr Muganga.
He said effective immediately, VU students will be charged shs 40,000 for the VCALSS every Trimester, making it a total of UGX 120,000 a year.
However, the university hoped to include this fee as part of its functional fees for incoming new students.
“In future, this fee will be part of the Functional Fees paid by students,” Muganga explained.
Dr Muganga explained that despite introducing the new charges, Victoria University remains the most affordable university providing high-quality education and that the university will ensure that all students have access to affordable education without compromising on quality.
“We would like to empathize with our students who may be feeling frustrated or disappointed by this change. We assure you that this decision was not taken lightly, and we did everything possible to ensure that the fee is reasonable and will not adversely affect our students.”
Citing the success of the now popular VCLASS system, Dr Muganga shared two stories of students who have benefited greatly from using the online platform since its inception in 2021.
One of the students is Sarah who according to Muganga was able to attend all of her classes, and assignments and take exams from her hospital bed after being admitted during the semester.
“First, we have the inspiring story of Sarah. Sarah was a student who unfortunately fell ill and had to be admitted to the hospital. Despite her illness and hospitalization, she was determined to complete her studies and graduate on time. Thanks to VCLASS, Sarah was able to attend all of her classes online while in the hospital, and she was even able to complete her assignments and take exams from her hospital bed. Thanks to her dedication and the support of her professors, Sarah was able to complete her last semester and is now a proud graduate with a good job.”
“Secondly, we have the story of Moses, who is a working student. Due to his job, he is unable to attend classes on campus during the day. However, since the introduction of VCLASS, he has been able to attend his classes online and at his own convenience, without having to sacrifice his work hours. Moses has found this system to be incredibly helpful, and he has been able to maintain good grades while working full-time.”
Muganga, therefore, encouraged VU students to embrace the benefits of using VCLASS and other education technologies to pursue their education.
“With VCLASS, you can enjoy the convenience of studying from anywhere, save money on purchasing
handouts, and develop digital competencies that are highly valued in the job market.”
Victoria University, currently leading in offering Experiential and Work Integrated Learning says it remains committed to delivering meaningful education to its students and helping them achieve their goals.
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