Education at all stages is gradually changing from classroom-based to a wider scope, which focuses on real-world application of knowledge, skills, and modern technology, said education specialists at the 2021 Kenya EdTech Summit and Awards program in Nairobi.
Global Peace Foundation Kenya, in partnership and with Chasing Mavericks, annually recognizes game changers in education who are embracing technology as a key tool in the teaching process. The EdTech Summit and Awards bring focus to technology integration strategies and digital tools to transform education and enrich the lives of learners.
Many countries especially in developing world are struggling to adopt to technological innovations that can transform education and make learning process practical, with learners prepared for the job market upon completion of their studies. Achieving such a dream should be a collective responsibility, bringing together teachers and administrators, industry professionals, supportive NGOs, and technology companies to make it a reality.
This year’s event in Nairobi brought together over 500 stakeholders in education across the country and beyond on the theme “Promoting Teaching and Learning through Innovative Technology.”
Among the organizations and companies awarded for their commitment to education innovation were the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD), Oracle Academy, Moringa School, Glowd Global Limited, Eneza Education, Farewell Innovation Limited, Young Engineers Kenya, eLimu, Electronic Learning Developers and Consultants Limited and FunKe Science.
Presentations during the event addressed key issues relevant to educators, including:
- Trends and Future of Learning
- Developing a National Standard for E-Learning
- Promotion of Equality and Diversity through EdTech
- Use of Technology in Transforming Learning
- Transforming Schools to Adopt and Embrace Global Citizens.
Bekere Amassoma, Program Manager for Sub-Saharan Africa at Oracle Academy, who attended the event virtually, described the key approaches and tools the company uses to support innovative learning and ensure that teachers are prepared with modern technological skills to improve the learning process, particularly in STEM education.
“We as Oracle Academy, remain committed to working with all stakeholders to ensure that education in Africa and the entire globe meets the objectives of learners, teachers, parents and employers by adopting teaching techniques that are advanced and that make the learner an all-round-person,” she said.
John Kimotho, Senior Deputy Director of Educational Services at KICD, said that the institution through the Ministry of Education and national government has tremendously invested in changing education in Kenya by introducing new Competency-Based Curriculum to integrate knowledge, skills, and student aptitudes.
Speaking to reporters, GPF Kenya country director Daniel Juma Omondi said there is need to involve technology in promoting entrepreneurship, as a form of giving leaners a platform to express, incubate and develop their skills and innovations. “This summit is a clear way of appreciating the use of technology in betterment of education,” he said, “and it’s also in line with our Leap Hub program that creates conducive spaces for learners to be innovative and nurture their talents.”
Other education stakeholders agreed with the need not only to realign the teaching process but also to make technology affordable, even in remote areas where internet connectivity and use of technology in learning is still dormant and inactive.
For more information on GPF education initiatives visit Global Peace Foundation Education.