Kisii University Appoints Dr Ronald Tombe as Director of E-Learning to Spearhead Digital Transformation

Former Future Africa Research Fellow brings visionary leadership to drive ubiquitous learning across the university.

Kisii University has announced the appointment of Dr Ronald Tombe as the Director of its E-Learning Directorate for a three-year term. Dr Tombe, a former Future Africa Research Leadership Fellow at the University of Pretoria (2022-2024), will provide academic and administrative leadership to institutionalise digital education across the university fully.

The Mandate: A Strategic Blueprint

In his new role, Dr Tombe's comprehensive mandate includes:

• Formulating and mainstreaming university-wide e-learning policy.

• Institutionalising digital teaching practices across all schools and departments.

• Establishing robust platform standards and infrastructure.

• Developing sustainable business models for e-learning service delivery.

  
  

His primary goal is to ensure efficient, high-quality digital learning support for both staff and students.

A Vision for Ubiquitous Learning

Dr Tombe's vision is to make ubiquitous learning a tangible reality at Kisii University—a system where students can learn anywhere, anytime, transcending the traditional confines of the physical classroom. "E-learning allows for profound educational relationships that were once confined to a classroom to happen with the same intensity, but without the limitations of time and space," says Dr Tombe. "This is what new information technology has made possible."

Beyond Technology: Cultivating Habits of Mind

For Dr Tombe, this shift is about more than just tools; it's about fulfilling core educational goals. "Ubiquitous learning contributes to the essential habits of mind we have always valued: persistence, discernment, inquisitiveness, and true intellectual independence," he explains. "We must harness the new spaces we work in to achieve these timeless objectives."

A Call to Harness New Affordances

Dr Tombe highlights the critical difference between traditional and digital learning environments, emphasising the unique "affordances"—or opportunities for action—created by new technologies. "Given the extraordinary daily shifts in this space, it is vital for educators not to treat these digital environments as secondary," he urges. "These are spaces that are increasingly entering our children's, our learners', and our own lives. We need to harness them for teaching actively."

He frames technology as a powerful tool for connection and collaboration: "We must see these spaces as tools that can open doors to new partners and experts, helping educators enhance learner performance in novel and impactful ways."

Looking Ahead

With this appointment, Kisii University signals a strong commitment to leveraging digital innovation to expand educational access, quality, and relevance.

Read more about him: https://www.dsfsi.co.za/members/ronald-tombe/

Dr Ronald Tombe in discussion with Heidi Sonnekus (FAR-LeaF)