In line with a number of recent governments’ directives for distance learning, a new programme aims to support schools and universities across Africa in establishing a virtual learning environment, by providing expertise and tools at no cost.  

HP Inc. announced the launch of the BeOnline programme in collaboration with Classera, a learning management systems company, and Mirai, a learning innovations group focusing on learning strategy and digital pedagogy.

The BeOnline programme gives schools access to a comprehensive remote learning environment, including pedagogical consultancy for online education provided by Mirai, a learning management solution from Classera and HP’s information technology (IT) consultancy on the required infrastructure.

These services will be provided to schools until the end of the academic year at no cost. Classera and Mirai will help education providers by designing online learning pathways including the creation of a virtual school set-up that encompasses digital lesson plans, virtual assignments, e-attendance and e-assessment among other support functions. In addition, HP will provide schools with its LIFE program, which is a set of 32 modules on business and technical skills for youngsters. The modules are available online, allowing students to self-study at their own pace and to receive certificates on completion.

HP sees the programme as part of its commitment to improving the learning outcomes for 100-million people globally by 2025 and to run focused pedagogy-oriented programs to deliver on its education and sustainability goals, namely Classroom of the Future, HP Learning Studios, Digital School Awards, HP LIFE and HP Teaching Fellows.

The company asserts that the program is designed to help schools to quickly adopt distance learning and to use technology as a means of supporting new styles of learning. It also sees the use of technology as a means of engaging students and improving learning outcomes, while helping to equip youths with the skills needed for the future.

Classera states that it will leverage its experience with virtual schools and nationwide deployments to provide a special version of the Class Light learning management system that can be used for managing, administrating and delivering course content and educational materials, with online collaboration, electronic assignments and instant reporting, with the specific aim of helping to minimise disruptions in the education sector due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Mirai will offer support by providing its digital pedagogy advisory service free of charge to help establish distance learning programmes aimed at ensuring that students advance in their learning progression during this period and beyond.

In addition, dedicated in-country HP Channel Partners will assist in ensuring schools’ IT infrastructure is ready for the new era of learning and teaching.

Further information about BeOnline can be found on the website