About the Event
The Open University of Mauritius (OU) has officially launched its new digital platforms: OU revamped Website, Student Information Management System (SIMS) and Blackboard Ultra Learning Management System at the OU Réduit Lecture Theatre on Thursday, 15 May 2025, in the presence of the Chief Guest, Dr the Hon. Kaviraj Sharma Sukon, PFHEA, Minister of Tertiary Education, Science and Research.
The post-pandemic paradigmatic transformation from traditional to digitalised classroom settings in the global educational system has ushered in a new digital ecosystem. The Open University of Mauritius constantly aligns itself with the modernisation and digitalisation of disseminating knowledge, ensuring the fulfilment of the SDG4 -Equal Education to the learners. Committed to the learner-centred andragogy, OU systematically reflects on the enhancement of learning-teaching. Since its inception in 2012, OU ensures that it keeps pace with new technological and educational trends to enable a robust student support facility. This strategic digital transformation reflects the university’s commitment to enhancing accessibility, interactivity, and efficiency across its academic and administrative operations.
Following protocol, Dr the Hon. Kaviraj Sharma Sukon, PFHEA, Minister of Tertiary Education, Science and Research, expressed his happiness at the launch of the digital platforms, aligned with what he rightly calls “Blearning.” He also took the audience on a journey into the past, recounting how the Open University came to the decision to adopt the blended mode in the absence of a proper digital platform.
Emphasising the mantra “No one is isolated,” where the learning process should be “independent but not isolated,” Dr the Hon Kaviraj Sharma Sukon reminded the audience: “We are different! How can we expect to learn in the same way?” His statement underlined the diverse learning styles of students and the need for what he termed “personalised learning.”
Dr Sukon also focused on the integration of AI tools, stating that they will help “detect the weaknesses of learners well ahead in the semester,” enabling academics to provide remedial activities and strengthen student support systems.
The Honourable Minister also reiterated the significance and impact of inter-institutional collaboration to attract foreign learners, quoting: “Mauritius will offer the best learning experiences to learners, whether they are in Mauritius or abroad.”
His keynote address concluded with a heartfelt expression of satisfaction in realising OU’s dream “Together.”
Mrs Subhashini Gopee, the Officer-in-Charge, has reiterated the affordability, flexibility, and accessibility offered by OU’s digital transformation in disseminating knowledge, stating that “it is a long-term solution.” Her speech reflects the institution’s commitment to OU’s motto and vision, quoting her words, “serve our academic community and engage with the world.”
Mrs Gopee unequivocally endorsed the need to stay up to date with technological advancements to ensure the effective dissemination of knowledge and information to all stakeholders — learners, academics, staff, and the public at large — thereby strengthening OU’s academic outreach.
The Officer-in-Charge clearly shares the vision of the Honourable Minister when she states:
“Together, let us move forward into a future where access to education is smarter, faster, and more connected than ever before.”
This statement reaffirms OU’s commitment to offering not only a dynamic, interactive, and user-friendly digital platform, but more importantly, to maintaining a student-centred approach throughout the learners’ journey.
Rationale
The redesigned digital ecosystem offers a more intuitive and user-friendly interface to serve both prospective and current learners, while the new Student Information Management System (SIMS) facilitates seamless enrolment, tracking of academic progress, and personalised academic support. Blackboard Ultra, with its dynamic and interactive features, reinforces the OU’s pedagogical vision for flexible, learner-centred online education.
These upgrades collectively aim to enhance student engagement, support quality assurance in teaching and learning, and ensure the OU remains competitive in a rapidly evolving higher education landscape shaped by digital innovation.
Impacts
The launch of the Open University of Mauritius’ new digital platforms — including the revamped website, the Student Information Management System (SIMS), and Blackboard Ultra — marks a transformative step in making education more accessible, inclusive, and learner-centred. These platforms reflect OU’s commitment to flexibility and personalisation, as reinforced by the Honourable Minister’s emphasis on “independent but not isolated” learning. The integration of AI tools also allows for early detection of learner challenges, enabling targeted academic support and a more customised educational experience.
This digital transformation aligns strategically with global post-pandemic trends in higher education and directly supports Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG4) by promoting equal access to quality learning opportunities. OU’s new ecosystem ensures that learners — regardless of their background or location — benefit from flexible, affordable, and technologically advanced systems. By enhancing the efficiency of academic and administrative processes, the university remains responsive to both local and international educational needs.
Furthermore, these digital innovations position the Open University of Mauritius as a competitive player in the global higher education landscape. The institution is now better equipped to strengthen its academic outreach, foster inter-institutional collaboration, and attract foreign learners. As both the Minister and Officer-in-Charge affirmed during the launch, this initiative embodies the shared vision of offering smarter, faster, and more connected education while ensuring that OU’s student-centred mission continues to thrive.
