UB Mental Health Day!!!

 Good Day

 The University community is invited to attend Mental Health Commemoration which will be held on the 10th of October 2024, at Block 139, Student Foyer. The event will start with aerobics at 0700hrs followed by stall exhibitions for mental health promotion by various stakeholders from 0900hrs to 1500hrs. Stakeholders include:

1. School of Nursing
2. Department of Sports, Culture and Recreation
3. Department of Careers and Counselling
4. Department of Student Welfare, Living and Learning Communities (LLC)
5. Botswana Medical Student Association, UB Students.

Thank you 

INTRODUCING A NEW PEDAGOGY TO THE UNIVERSITY OF BOTSWANA SCHOOL OF NURSING: DISTANCE SIMULATION

 INTRODUCING A NEW PEDAGOGY TO THE UNIVERSITY OF BOTSWANA

SCHOOL OF NURSING: DISTANCE SIMULATION

Tebogo T. Mamalelala1, Joyce V. Khutjwe1, Kefalotse S. Dithole1 and Michelle A. Cole2

1University of Botswana, 2University of Connecticut Storrs, Connecticut USA

Abstract

The advancement of healthcare education has led to an increasing use of technology for

training and practice. Distance Simulation provides a realistic and immersive

environment for nursing students to engage in real-world clinical scenarios with peers

from across the globe, offering varied perspectives and specialized knowledge. A recent

study involving 32 nursing students from four schools, including the University of

Botswana and three schools from the United States, highlighted the benefits of distance

simulation. It enriches the learning experience and can serve as an alternative for

clinical activities or to supplement theoretical content. This underscores the importance

of further research and investment in distance simulation as an effective tool in nursing

education. In summary, distance simulation offers a practical solution to bridge the gap

between theoretical knowledge and practical clinical experience, potentially enhancing

the overall quality of nursing education

Keywords: Simulation, pedagogy, nursing education, debriefing, pre-briefing, SET-M

Corresponding Author

Tebogo T Mamalelala

University of Botswana

Faculty of Health, School of Nursing

mamalelalat@ub.ac.bw

45

Lonaka JoLT Vol. 13 No. 1 2024

Introduction and background

The healthcare education sector has increasingly adopted technology to improve training and practice. There is a growing need for innovative and effective approaches in nursing and other healthcare training programs. Simulation, replicating real-world scenarios that allow students to perform skills and actively learn, has become an essential component of nursing education (Lavoie et al., 2017). While the World Health Organisation (WHO) also strongly recommends simulation-based nursing education programs to improve and ascertain patient safety (World Health Organization, 2018), simulation-based education remains a challenge for under-resourced settings with minimal investment in technology (Moabi et al., 2022; Msosa et al., 2022). Furthermore, there are variations in simulation tools used per setting, from low-fidelity anatomical models for the demonstration of skills such as injections to high-fidelity mannequins which mimic physiologic functions such as regular and abnormal breathing and to the use of standardised patients (volunteers) by some institutions, to give learners a more realistic clinical experience (Koukourikos et al., 2021).

Technological advancements and the need to improve nursing education have seen distance simulation emerge as a critical tool, particularly in regions facing resource constraints. Distance simulation utilizes digital platforms and virtual environments to simulate clinical scenarios for educational purposes, allowing students and professionals to practice and refine their skills remotely. It involves conducting simulations or training from a physical distance (LeFlore et al., 2014; Lioce, 2020).

https://journals.ub.bw/index.php/jolt/article/view/2311

Rest in Peace Dr Mbuka!!!

It is with great sorrow to announce the passing of Dr O. D. Mbuka a doctor under the Faculty of Medicine who was stationed in Letsholathebe Memorial Hospital.

Dr Mbuka passed away on the Sunday 14^th April 2024 in Maun due to short illness. 

Let us keep Dr Mbuka's family in our prayers during this difficult time.

Funeral arrangements will be communicated in due course.🕊🕊

Professor Andy Chebanne retires from University of Botswana after an Illustrious Career

 Professor Andersson Chebanne has retired after 40 years working for the University of Botswana (UB). No other linguist in Botswana has delved into the study and publication of Botswana languages as extensively as Andy Chebanne.

Over the past four decades, he has devoted his life to the examination of Setswana, Ikalanga, and diverse Khoisan languages, addressing contentious matters such as language in education and linguistic rights for marginalised communities. Professor Chebanne has had a profound impact on the domain of language and linguistics in Botswana and Africa at large.

Anderson Chebanne, fondly called Andy, was born on the 21st August 1959 in Nswawzi in the Tutume District. He started primary school in the same village and then moved to Mater Spei College in Francistown for his junior and senior secondary education taking science subjects. He attempted sciences at the University of Botswana and Swaziland (UBS) and then switched to the Humanities. He left for France before finishing his Degree in the Humanities

In France, he undertook a Licence in Language Sciences, then read for a Master of Arts in Languages Sciences and Pedagogy. In 1987, he pursued an MPhil in Languages Sciences and then proceeded to embark on his Doctorate in Languages Sciences which he completed in 1991. His doctorate supervisor was Denis Creissels with whom he went on to publish a pioneering book, Tonal Morphology of the Setswana Verb.

He was recruited by the University of Botswana in 1983, joining as a Staff Development Fellow (SDF) in French. In 1984 he was promoted to lectureship and appointed a Faculty Tutor the following year, a post he held for two years until 1987. In 1991 after completing his doctoral studies, he returned to being a Faculty Tutor. He was appointed Deputy Dean of Humanities in 1998 after attaining the rank of Senior Lecturer, a post he held until 2004. During his administrative role as a Faculty Tutor and Deputy Dean, he continued to pursue research on the languages of Botswana, mainly Setswana, and Ikalanga.

https://www.ub.bw/news/professor-andy-chebanne-retires-university-botswana-after-illustrious-career

Breast Cancer Awareness 2023!

 

FAMILY MEDICINE AND PRIMARY HEALTH CARE CONFERENCE CALL FOR ABSTRACTS

 

                                                        UNIVERSITY OF BOTSWANA

                                                          FACULTY OF MEDICINE

Call for Application for Bachelor of Medicine Bachelor of Surgery Degree (MBBS) August 2023

Background: The Faculty of Medicine at the University of Botswana (UB) offers both under-graduate (MBBS) and post-graduate (MMed) degrees. The Faculty prides itself with following the World Federation of Medical Education (WFME) standards and a problem-based learning approach, working with local health centres (clinics and hospitals) as well as health professional bodies.

Please be informed that the University of Botswana undergraduate study programmes are all registered with the Botswana Qualifications Authority (BQA).

This announcement invites applications for the undergraduate training programme, the Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS), in the Faculty, for the August 2023 enrollment. The MBBS programme is fully accredited with the Botswana Qualifications Authority (BQA). For more information about UB programmes please visit the following UB websites: (www.ub.bw) and (www.ubotho.net).

All who successfully complete this programme will be awarded an MBBS degree from the University of Botswana and will qualify for registration with the Botswana Health Professions Council as medical practitioners.

Entry Requirements:

1. Applicants may be admitted upon successful completion of Level 100 of Bachelor of Science (General) programme from University of Botswana or equivalent qualifications from other institutions with a cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 3.5. Applicants should have passed Chemistry and two additional science subjects from Mathematics, Biology, Physics with a minimum cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 3.0 for each course.

2. Holders of A’ level qualifications with a minimum grade point of 3.0 in Chemistry and two additional science subjects from Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry Physics will be considered for direct entry into the MBBS programme.

3. Holders of a Bachelor’s degree qualification with a minimum of Second Class Upper Division (2(i)) and had at least two sciences in the first year of the qualification are also eligible to apply.

Please note that re-applications will also be considered, though their Level 100 grades in CHEMISTRY and TWO additional subjects (Biology, Mathematics & Physics) will be used. First applicants who are currently beyond level 100 will be considered as well, and their level 100 grades in CHEMISTRY and two additional subjects (Biology, Mathematics & Physics) will be considered.

Prospective applicants are expected to scan and save separately, preferably in pdf format, all the required documents in readiness for uploading during application:

▪ receipt for a fully paid Application Fee (for external applicants only)

▪ certified copy of the Omang for citizens or Passport for other nationalities

▪ certified copy of transcript(s)

▪ certified copy of post-school qualification (where applicable),

Closing date: Applications will close on 23rd June 2023 for both local and international applicants.

Applicants who fulfil criteria for selection will be shortlisted and will undergo a further selection process. Those who are successful will be notified by mid-July 2023 and must be available to start training at the beginning of August 2023.

For enquiries on the application process contact Mr. Solomon Mogapi at mogapis@ub.ac.bw , +267 355 4763, Mr. Moagisi Mogalakwe at mogalakwem@ub.ac.bw, phone +267 355-2784 or Faculty of Medicine at fomenquiries@ub.ac.bw or +267 355 4189.