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Dayo Abinusawa 22/10/2022 Dayo Abinusawa 22/10/2022

Virtual learning has its challenges, but we shouldn’t dismiss the opportunity to create value in emerging markets

Awa Business School is actively working to meet targets 4.3, 4.4, and 4.5 of SDG 4 (Quality Education).

Over the past two years, the rapid rise of online learning has been widely discussed and debated. From early years providers in the UK to universities in Europe, Asia, and the United States of America, digital technology is transforming how we learn and teach at all levels.

In 2020, education institutions across the world were forced to shift to online learning or some form of hybrid (blended) learning, posing unique challenges for both students and instructors. From unreliable internet connections with poor signal, affecting how well we could hear each other, to that particular question of students’ attention span.

Does ‘video off, mic muted, and lunch in progress’ sound familiar to anyone? (No judgement here).

While many have argued that this digital disruption will have negative consequences for students and teachers alike, there are also opportunities that come with this change. There are many potential benefits, but there are also valid fears of the risks. As an education provider with a subsidiary literally called ‘Blended’, we understand the challenges of virtual learning but believe that the benefits ultimately outweigh the risks.

The shift to online learning was a new, challenging experience for both students and teachers

For students, it was difficult to adapt to new modes of learning or engage in class without the physical connection we had become accustomed to. For instructors, it was a strange new world where you couldn’t figure out how to check that students were actually learning something!

Imagine countries where lockdown measures eased early enough, allowing students and instructors to get back into the classroom on a hybrid learning arrangement. Both teachers and learners probably expressed sighs of relief because they no longer had to worry about those awful technical issues.

There is definitely something wonderful about being able to engage in intellectual debate face-to-face, observing emphatic gestures as people express their viewpoints. But what about non-traditional learners, learners with disabilities, and those in other parts of the world who simply have no other choice but to study online?

How do we make virtual learning work for them?

In emerging markets, virtual learning has benefits that go well beyond overcoming disruption

Online, blended, and hybrid learning are not new phenomena. They have certainly gained in popularity since 2020, but world-renowned business schools which offer ‘Global’ MBA programmes have had to find a way to make learning work for their internationally-based students. In fact, in the US, there is an institution that offers online degrees up to doctorate level. In England, there is a London university that delivers programmes in the evenings to ensure that students can learn around their work or personal life commitments.

So, why don’t we have more institutions targeting prospective students across Africa, South Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East, who aspire to upskill and improve their employment opportunities at a fair price with minimal disruption to their lives?

One of the biggest challenges facing students in emerging markets is the lack of access to quality learning resources

Virtual learning may not be a perfect solution, but it offers many benefits to students who otherwise could not afford it or access the best teachers and courses from anywhere in the world.

It’s a step in the right direction, but we can do more.

Education should be available to everyone. We’ve got to go beyond just providing access to knowledge and training; we need to give students the opportunity to learn at their own pace, at any time of day or night, and from anywhere in the world — without having to worry about getting up early enough before work starts so that they can make it home on time to do other things.

Online learning opens up new possibilities for how people learn best by allowing them some freedom of choice when deciding where they want their courses delivered — whether it’s a traditional university setting with lectures held on campus or through video recordings made available online.

Of course, many people are sceptical about how effective virtual learning can be compared with traditional classroom learning methods. But there’s no denying that technology is changing how we learn, so why not use it to our advantage?

With virtual learning, there are no geographic barriers to accessing education

Virtual (or hybrid) learning makes it possible for students who live in remote areas, or have other barriers preventing them from accessing high-quality education, to gain access to international-standard resources and instructors from world-renowned universities, regardless of where they live, how much they earn, and what their circumstances may be.

Our mission is directly linked to the UN Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4 — which is to “ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all”.

In a world where many people across all age groups still lack access to traditional education, virtual learning could address access issues by enabling them to pursue their studies in a way that works for them.

Students can organise learning around their work, caring responsibilities, and life ‘admin’. Teachers can reach far more students with arguably less effort than would be required in a traditional classroom setting. As digital tools and platforms become more sophisticated, learning materials and resources can be stored in the cloud and accessed on-demand and in a structured way with reasonable penalties for missed deadlines.

It is not a perfect model, and we acknowledge the difficulty of completing studies without the structure of a traditional class setting which creates discipline. But for those with the right mix of willingness, access to broadband connectivity, and opportunity (which could be based on cost, time, or delivery mode), we should celebrate the benefits of virtual and blended learning while actively working to address the challenges.

The past two years have seen remarkable adaptability from teachers, students, and parents/guardians/carers worldwide. And this is a positive thing.

Virtual learning offers flexibility, accessibility, affordability, and choice that can accelerate professional and personal development for many learners in emerging economies. However, there is still a long way to go before it becomes a viable option for everyone.

At Awa Business School, after obtaining government accreditation in 2020, we began delivering our certificate courses in April 2022, starting with six students in total (with only three students completing the assessments, making them eligible for the verified certificate). It was a small win, but a win nonetheless. We ramped up our student and tutor recruitment activities throughout the summer and are now delivering five courses this autumn.

Our current cohort is made up of a diverse group of students including self-taught entrepreneurs from rural parts of Nigeria and experienced, university-educated professionals in Malawi and South America. Each student has a different background and story, but the one thing they all share is a strong desire to upskill and take small steps to get closer to their vision of who they can be, with the right support and resources in place.

About Awa Business School (ABS)

Awa Business School helps young people and working adults to accelerate their careers and gain relevant skills to enhance their employability at any stage, from anywhere in the world. We are building Blended by ABS, an EdTech platform for students to sign up to learn, complete their assessments, and gain the globally-recognised qualification which they can build up to a Diploma to gain access to final year degree programmes in the UK.

Awa Business School is actively working to meet targets 4.3, 4.4 and 4.5 of SDG 4 (Quality Education).

Dayo Abinusawa 31/12/2020 Dayo Abinusawa 31/12/2020

Countries Need Coherent Action Plans to Drive Competitive Educational Systems - Dayo Abinusawa

Nigeria needs a coherent action plan to drive a globally competitive educational system that develops the skills and capabilities of the youth. Dr. Dayo Abinusawa the Founder, Awa Business School said this in a recent discussion on socio-economic developments in Nigeria as it concerns "Human Capital Development".

He was of the view that Nigeria as a country would have to be clear on what its key challenges are in the educational sector, and the opportunities based on the human capital it has.

The scholar noted that for Nigeria to reposition its tertiary education, it must have a plan that determines the direction in which it would like to go in the area of skills development and capabilities.

He stressed that if Nigeria is to achieve global competitiveness as a nation, it must align its tertiary education curriculum with its national development goals and strategy.

Speaking on the key nexus between investment in human capital and national competitiveness and development for nations like Nigeria, he emphasized the fact that countries that have been able to succeed and continue to thrive have invested significantly in developing the skills of their people so that they can be creative and innovative to develop the right products and services that have a positive impact on the economy.

Some of the Countries according to him include; the United Kingdom, the United States, and China, which have leveraged education to support industrialization through skills development, research, and innovation.

Giving an example of his experience as a Deputy Director Centre for Innovation Management, London, he mentioned that one of the interesting things he observed was how initiatives that helped to translate research outputs into products and services were eventually embarked upon.

He advocated for a clear link between research conducted in universities and the value addition it can provide to businesses and the government.

According to him "The nexus between the knowledge created and the application of knowledge is very critical for education and economic development".

On the Triple Helix adopted by Nigeria which is designed to bring synergy between University, Industry, and Government, Dr. Abinusawa noted that as a community it was important to have a clear vision, on the direction of the country in terms of skills development.

"Initiatives that would help to ensure that the government achieves its aims and objectives should be set up and formulated, also such initiatives should be refined as things progress to ensure corrective actions are implemented", Abinusawa said.

Speaking further, he said the focus of Awa Business School was to make education accessible removing the impediments of finance through competitive prices

Reflecting on the COVID-19 pandemic, Abinusawa highlighted the fact that when most countries went into lockdown; Awa Business School was at the forefront of moving to online degree programmes with systems in place which only had to be refined with existing technologies to facilitate the process.

However, he noted that technology can serve as an impediment to education delivery as the absence of high-quality internet can be challenging, but he mentioned that sessions from Awa Business School could be accessed offline with curated physical material.

He added, "The program at Awa Business school creates a significant opportunity for individuals who are willing to save money and aspire to build a career in the UK within a short time".

From a historical perspective, Abinusawa said the UK has maintained its fundamental guiding principles of tertiary education which is to serve the public interest.

Providing insight into the policy approach, he said the UK government plays a key role in regulating higher education institutions, setting a threshold requirement that the institution must meet.

He mentioned that the UK government is proactive when it comes to supporting, encouraging, and facilitating institutions that could add value to the economy.

He mentioned two things that drive program delivery in Awa Business School as;

Quality in terms of academic standards and
Practicality in terms of knowledge that is being shared within the classroom.

Culled from the December 2020 Edition of the Proshare WebTV

Dayo Abinusawa 19/12/2020 Dayo Abinusawa 19/12/2020

Studying in the UK: A Step by Step Guide

The UK welcomes nearly 270,000 new students every year, offering world-class teaching, and a great place to live, preparing you for the global workplace.

You’ve got dreams, and Awa Business School is here to bring it to life. Gain skills, experience and confidence to fulfil your potential with a UK qualification. It’s a pretty straight forward process and we’ll guide through it step by step.

Awa Business School’s Diploma in Business provides an affordable tuition fee pathway to university and further study or supervisory/management roles. They’re flexible, so you can pay as you go, and fit your studies around work and other commitments. This means you can pay for what you plan to study each year at the point of registration rather than paying the whole fee upfront.

Ready? Let’s get started.

Choosing the right course
Studying in the UK is your opportunity to gain skills, experience and confidence to fulfil your potential. To begin, choose your course from the Awa Business School homepage. These are designed to be flexible for each student, whether it’s a Certificate or Diploma. Or you can choose to study for a custom course by submitting a request through the enquiry form. You can choose courses from the certificate and diploma programmes.
Register and apply
You could study for a certificate or diploma.
Undergraduates
Applying for an undergraduate course in the UK is simple. You can either register and apply to the school directly or through UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service).
To apply now for our undergraduate courses, complete your application form.
Accept your offer
We will contact you (usually via email) to tell you whether or not you have received an offer to study. If you applied via UCAS it's easy to track the status of your application on their website.

If you are accepted with an unconditional offer, then congratulations! You have a place and you can accept straightaway.

If you are accepted with a conditional offer, the place is yours as long as you meet a few extra requirements. This could be achieving certain exam grades or English language test scores.

For some courses, you may be asked to come for an interview before you receive your offer, either on the phone or sometimes in person. Check the course information before you apply to find out whether this is required.
Arrange funding
It’s never too early to arrange funding. You may be eligible for a scholarship at Awa Business School to help with the cost of your studies.
To check your eligibility for a scholarship, contact us.
Applying for a visa
As an international student, you are likely to need a visa to take up your study place in the UK.
However, you don’t need a visa to take up your study place at Awa Business School as our courses are online. Learners can study in their own country before progressing onto universities in the UK. This option can be a cost effective route to studying abroad and achieving a degree at an international Higher Education Institution.
Preparing for your study
Once you have your offer, it's time to prepare for studies.
Whether you own a PC, a laptop or a tablet, once you’re connected to the internet, you will have access to our online study portal (your virtual classroom). You’re now a step closer to gaining the skills, experience and confidence to fulfil your potential with a UK qualification.
To find out more details about our undergraduate applications, contact us.

About Awa Business School

Awa Business School helps working adults accelerate their careers while gaining the knowledge and skills they need to be employable upon graduation. Flexibility to study where and when you want; practical, engaging and interactive learning can help students effectively progress into employment and further study while getting good value for money and balancing busy lives. As a provider of higher education, Awa Business School aims to ensure that every student, whatever their background or ability are supported to access, succeed in and progress from higher education. Offering diploma to degree programs from UK learning centres as well as online to students across the world, Awa Business School fulfils its mission of making education accessible.

The academic team have supported more than 13,000 students, including the UK and international students. Since launching its enterprise and innovation programme in March 2018, the school has been supported by the Mayor of London’s Business Growth Programme, Business Legacies: East London Business Place, and the European Commission’s Enterprise Europe Network.

Accreditation

Under Scottish Government legislation, Awa Business School received full accreditation and approval in September 2020. Our Advanced Diploma in Business is accredited under the Education (Scotland) Act 1996 as amended by the Scottish Qualifications Authority Act 2002.

To learn how we can help you UpSkill and Get Job Ready, visit www.awabusiness.school and call +44 779 6227 780 or email contact@awabusiness.school

Dayo Abinusawa 30/04/2020 Dayo Abinusawa 30/04/2020

Awa Business School supports learners through the Coronavirus Learning Interruption Private Tuition Scheme

30th April 2020

Awa Business School London provides online tuition for GCSE, AS and A-Level, BTEC, undergraduate, and postgraduate students
90% of the global student population impacted by closed educational institutions in an attempt by governments to contain the spread of COVID-19
First lesson and academic advice free and learners receive discounts for block and group bookings

LONDON 30 April 2020: Awa Business School London (ABSL), the online business school, is supporting learners through the Coronavirus Learning Interruption Private Tuition Scheme. The programme was designed in response to the global closure of educational institutions in an attempt to contain the spread of the coronavirus pandemic.

According to UNESCO, these nationwide closures are impacting 90% of the world’s student population. This has led ABSL to launch the personalised online tuition scheme for GCSE, AS and A-Level, BTEC, undergraduate and postgraduate students who might be struggling as a result of COVID-19. ABSL confirms that it is ready to start receiving private tuition requests.

Under the private tuition scheme, the first lesson will be free to ensure learners benefit from no upfront costs and a lower initial fee. Learners will also receive discounts for block and group bookings.

Learners studying for GCSE, AS and A-Level, BTEC, undergraduate and postgraduate programmes can apply for private tuition with ABSL.

ABSL is also offering university application support and career advice.

Learners will be able to apply for private tuition via the ABSL website.

Dr Dayo Abinusawa, Awa Business School London’s Head of Strategy, said: “We are living in unprecedented times. Learners, their parents and guardians who have poured out their hearts, and not to mention, hard-earned money, into quality education are crying out for help. The important thing now is to get lessons to them at home. We’re delighted to have been able to play a part in supporting government response to contain the spread of this pandemic.”

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