Instructional designers and LMS administrators from participating higher education institutions came together to form a thriving Community of Practice under the CSTS–Mastercard Foundation Uganda eLearning Initiative for Education Institutions.
Representatives from six institutions, including both universities and TVETs, convened in Kampala for three significant days to share new ideas, discuss common issues, and together develop long-term solutions to enhance eLearning in their specific contexts.
A group photo after the LMS Community of Practice workshop – Kampala, June 2025
The gathering was a potent illustration of the importance of collaborative learning. In addition to encouraging peer knowledge exchange, participants shared practical experiences from their institutions and formed a strong network dedicated to advancing digital education in Uganda.
It was a real-life example of a Community of Practice, where a common goal meets a wealth of collective expertise.
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Charlea Yakani-Lead Content Development and Digital Pedagogy
One of the convening's most notable themes was the focus on inclusive digital content, which deeply resonated with attendees from various institutions.
Key best practices for developing equitable, accessible, and impactful digital learning experiences were emphasized. These included:
Multimodal content delivery: Using a blend of text, audio, video, and interactive modules to accommodate different learning styles and needs.
Flexible assessment design: Creating inclusive assessments with built-in flexibility for learners with disabilities or limited tech access.
Mobile-first approach: Prioritizing mobile compatibility, particularly for learners in low-bandwidth environments.
Among the workshop’s standout voices was Dr. Moreen Kabarungi from Mbarara University of Science and Technology. She shared key learnings from the recently concluded eLearning Africa 2025 Conference, held under the theme:
“Reimagining Education and Human Capital Development for Africa’s Future Prosperity.”
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Dr. Moreen Kabarungi presenting on Inclusive Online Course Design
She delivered a compelling session on Inclusive Online Course Design, emphasizing that accessibility and inclusion must be foundational to digital learning—not added in later.
Her presentation highlighted practical strategies such as:
Using transcripts, captions, audio alternatives, and interactive media to support different learning needs.
Developing inclusive assessments that accommodate varied abilities and learning preferences.
Designing mobile-first courses to ensure accessibility in underserved, low-bandwidth regions.
Dr. Kabarungi’s insights inspired many participants to reflect on and redesign their own course structures with a stronger emphasis on equity and inclusion.
Another highlight of the workshop was the panel discussion on Artificial Intelligence in Education, held under the theme: “Transforming Learning Assessment and Integrity.”
The consensus? “AI is not here to replace us—it’s here to empower us.”
Discussions centered on how AI can:
Enable adaptive learning paths tailored to each student’s progress and needs.
Provide real-time feedback and learning analytics for timely intervention.
Strengthen academic integrity through advanced proctoring and plagiarism detection tools.
More than only discussions were triggered by the Community of Practice; it also created a common vision for Uganda's digital learning future. Participants departed with enhanced networks, practical insights, and a revitalized dedication to diversity and creativity, enabling them to advocate for revolutionary eLearning approaches both inside and outside of their organizations. The foundation established in Kampala is a major step toward a digital education environment that is more connected, accessible, and learner-centered, but the trip is far from over.
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