The Computer Society of Kenya

Since 1986

matiangi Digital LearningDAILY NATION By KUNLE AWOSIKA

Friday September 23,2016

David Warlick — educator, author, programmer, and public speaker — once said that we need technology in every classroom and in every student’s and teacher’s hand because it is the pen and paper of our time and lens through which we experience much of our world.

This, combined with a now-connected global economy means it is imperative that we embrace the digital reality, to make school more relevant for the youth of the current generation.

Over the past few years we have witnessed governments around Africa warming up to digital education transformation, with various ambitious projects laid out in their bid to deliver quality competitive education to the citizens.

The World Bank says Africa’s development and participation in the knowledge society is influenced to a large extent by how the continent handles the implementation of curriculums that enhance the quality of education given to its populace.

Digital school transformation in Kenya and indeed across the African continent is a trend that was first taken up by institutions of higher education, then followed by secondary and primary schools to redefine learning through creating immersive and inclusive learning experiences that inspire lifelong learning.

Various challenges have plagued ICT for schools, ranging from lack of electricity to inadequate policies, training to equip teachers for e-learning, and affordable technologies to manage the learning process.

However, this has not dampened the resolve to transform learning through the power of technology.

The integration of technology in education is at a particularly dynamic stage in Africa, which means that there are new developments and announcements happening often.

While great technology can never replace great teaching, it is essential that schools have access to the right tools to help drive the most effective learning. 

Technology applied in new ways can shift behaviour and motivation, enabling educators to assess learning in new ways and supporting students as they learn to be adaptable and resilient through exploration, simulation, and gaming.

DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION

The goal is to encourage students to learn through doing — solving problems, practising, progressing, and having fun, with real time feedback from educators.

South Africa has been cited as capitalising on the benefits e-learning brings to the education process with the implementation of resources that offer online courses at both high school and college levels.

In the past few years, the online higher education sector in South Africa has grown steadily, creating a demand for highly qualified teachers.

Although online education is still in its formative stage in South Africa, the government has demonstrated a dedication to improving and expanding distance learning opportunities.

In Kenya, the government has made a conscious decision to make digital transformation — through empowering the youthful generation with IT skills from primary school to secondary schools.

This will, consequently, lead to a workforce of individuals with globally competitive literacy and problem-solving skills that are ready for uptake in the workplace.

Globally, nations such as South Korea are leading the pack despite facing unique cultural challenges such as face-to-face education being more valued than distance learning.

Even as we look forward to increasing the penetration and quality of technology in education, we cannot ignore the role that mobile phones have played leading up to this.

The success of the mobile device use in higher education can only be an indication of the possibilities for expanded sources of e-learning as well as inculcating it into the curriculum early.

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