ITDS DEPARTMENT CONVENES STAFF RETREAT TO SUSTAIN GROWTH

ITDS DEPARTMENT CONVENES STAFF RETREAT TO SUSTAIN GROWTH

• By Admin
• Education

The Department of Information Technology and Decision Sciences (ITDS) in the University of Energy and Natural Resources (UENR) recently held a 2-day staff retreat under the theme "Transforming Constraints into Innovation: Practical IT Teaching in Challenging Contexts". The retreat, which was generously sponsored by the University Management, brought staff together to deliberate on ways to transform teaching and learning, bridge the gap between theory and real-world application, and highlight the department's achievements over the past year. Since its inception in 2021, the ITDS department has grown into a vibrant tech community in Ghana with a unique mission of developing students who can have a real-world impact in the world of technology. Program features informative presentations from faculty, experts in innovation, diversity, digital transformation, and technology. Some resource persons, including the Head of Department (HoD) for ITDS, Prof. Peter Appiahene, Senior Lecturer at the department, Dr. Anokye Acheampong Amponsah, and Head, Center for Research in Applied Biology (CeRAB), Dr. Emmanuel Timmy Donkor, participated in the retreat.

Prof. Peter Appiahene said the department's focus is on applying lab research to real-life problems. He highlighted that the department, since 2021, has churned out over 2000 students and successfully organized two groundbreaking technology fairs. Prof. Peter Appiahene stated that the Tech Fair has significantly enhanced the department's and the university's image. According to him, people are noticing the contribution of the program to national development. Pointing to the widespread media coverage the department has received, Prof. Appiahene remarked: "The UENR Tech Fair has gained global attention, which means that the world of tech cares about what we’re doing. The event has recently been ranked the 4th biggest tech event in Ghana, and we must be very proud of. In the past year alone, students in the department have developed groundbreaking innovations, including an Artificial Intelligence (AI) powered skin disease detection application, breast cancer and anemia detection in babies, among others. Students have also participated in several technological events, including the Tech in Ghana program and the Tɛkyerɛma Pa Hackathon program. The HoD further encouraged lecturers to prioritize creating a safe learning environment, combine theory with applied projects, hands-on labs, collaborative activities, and real-time feedback.

Speaking at the retreat, Prof. Samuel Fosu Gyasi, Dean, School of Sciences, also revealed plans to complete an ultra-modern computer laboratory that the department started in the next few months to complement teaching and learning. Prof. Gyasi applauded the department for taking several initiatives to ensure students are fully prepared for the real world of work and technology. He noted that, "ITDS has set the pace for others to follow in the university". You, the lecturers, are the trainers of the new generational thinkers who are going to make an impact on our world. The workshop was a significant capacity-building program for faculty members and staff to help them meet their demands.