Zimbabwe’s state-owned fixed telecommunications operator TelOne has launched an online e-learning platform, Impact Learning, expected to add value to its existing Centre for Learning.

Impact Learning has been in the works for years, but COVID-19 and the increased use of online education platforms has expedited the process.

TelOne managing director, Chipo Mtasa said: “The Coronavirus has forced us to look into ourselves and move as quickly as possible to digitise TelOne Centre for learning. The initial stage of the digitisation process was the development of an e-learning to allow students to be able to learn online.”

Mtasa added: “The digitisation of TCFL had been initiated with the e-learning platform Impact Learning already in place.”

Local ICT analyst Tsevetana Dhliwayo said the system has become vital for education, in the quest to ‘replace’ the physical classroom as material is digitally distributed and consumed.

The Minister of ICT, Postal and Courier Services Jenfan Muswere said the country’s universities are critical and can play a pivotal role in 4IR.

“TelOne has led the Innovation drive by developing this e-Learning platform which is already operational at the TelOne Centre for Learning to initiate for both undergraduate students and Corporate Training departments who use the platform to conduct professional business training sessions.