The Fiji National University (FNU) is in discussions with Walesi, to deliver the university’s online learning platform. Walesi is Fiji’s digital television service and currently has approximately 430, 000 Fijians using the online platform.

The Minister for Economy and AttorneyGeneral Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum also highlighted this while delivering the Supplementary Budget in Parliament Thursday evening.

Acting Vice-Chancellor Professor James Pounder said the partnership with Walesi would boost the university’s efforts to deliver more courses online.

FNU has a close working relationship with Walesi having launched the digitalFiji initiative two years ago which allows students at all FNU Campuses and Centres to enjoy free internet enjoy free, unlimited access to the internet 24/7.

digitalFiji

The digitalFiji, which is a government initiative, can be accessed through free-toair digital boxes and the Walesi mobile app, which allows digital TV to be viewed on a smartphone.

“Online platform is the future for most of the tertiary institutions around the world and certainly, FNU is moving in that direction,” said Prof Pounder.

“We have an opportunity to work closely with Walesi, who already have a well-established platform to deliver our programmes online.”

“So in addition to the programmes offered by the National Training and Productivity Centre (NTPC), the proposed partnership with Walesi is envisaged to be the appropriate platform for existing and future programmes offered by FNU, at both higher education and TVET levels, that lend themselves to in-house/in-business delivery,” added AVC Pounder.

The discussions with Walesi follows a FNU’s announcement last week of launching a new online learning platform in partnership with Crystal Delta

The new online learning initiative is called “FNU Online”.

The opportunity for FNU to expand and create “FNU Online” will create pathways for any learner to enjoy life-long learning through FNU regardless of their career pathway, programme or geographical positioning.

Educational experience

“The University expects that FNU Online will further enhance the educational experience and opportunity for students throughout Fiji and Pacific nations, enabling the University to continue to provide courses and content that will enrich the real-world opportunities for Fijians and Pacific nations’ people.

“By partnering with Crystal Delta to develop the FNU Online digital learning platform, the University will be able to target and enter new markets, bring all university content online to improve accessibility and ensure continuity of learning.

“If successful, Walesi’s vendors is expected to work closely with Crystal Delta to strengthen FNU’s online study programme delivery. As the national university, FNU has been responsible for educating generations of Fijian doctors, nurses, teachers, mechanics, engineers and much and accountants, through FNU’s existing colleges and core values “New Skills, Practical Experience, Real Opportunities”.

The University through the Centres for Flexible and E-Learning (CFEL) and Learning and Teaching Enhancement (CLTE) is taking a leadership role in driving learning transformation.

Acting Vice-Chancellor, Professor James Pounder.