The beautiful continent of Africa, well known for its natural beauty and wildlife reserve has come a long way in last one decade. African countries like South Africa, Nigeria and Kenya have been able to maintain steady economic growth. It is estimated that these nations have witnessed an annual growth by 5.5% in the last one decade. Besides domestic forces like better health condition, economic reforms and political liberalization, the improvement made in the educational system has largely contributed towards this accelerated growth. Any discussion on the impact of education in African society can go amiss without a reference to Kenya.
Kenya is one of the most promising nations on the African soil, striving to become a compelling market as per global standards in years to come. A major determinant towards this change would be incorporating ICT and e-learning model to their educational delivery system. The use of computers, internet, tablets, and web/mobile application in education has made learning interesting and interactive. The addition of these medium in the curriculum has improved pedagogical standard by great degree. Classrooms are no longer restricted by the limitations of traditional predicaments of learning. At the same time is takes care of the important matter of accessibility. . Thus, the attempt of this blog piece is to analyze the potential of Kenya as a major e-learning hub, as well as addressing the challenges.
According to experts, any effort to improve the e-learning model of education in Kenya is affected by the paucity of resources namely computer devices, computer laboratories, internet facility and availability of quality content that will meet the requirements of e-learning engagement model. However, in recent times an unparallel need to extend education has resulted in the development of open, distance, and e-learning (ODeL) in Kenya.
While improvement of technological infrastructure is relevant, it is equally important to introduce an educational model which is robust, scalable and addresses local conditions adequately. Leveraging technologies while analyzing prevailing condition is one way to deal with the problems faced by an educational establishment of any country. Fulfilling that necessity, mElimu is an excellent product that promises to revolutionize the educational scene in Africa namely Kenya. Built with the intension to reach out to a larger student community and teachers, the highlight of the product is to allow students learn in an interactive way through an affordable Android tablet, designed to withstand all local conditions. As from the perspective of the teachers, the device is relevant as it gives them the much needed to support to improve teaching their methodology.
The prospect of educational product in the likes of mElimu is quite bright. In the last twenty years, the Kenyan government has made hefty investments in the field of education. In addition to that they have introduced several educational schemes such as the free primary education (FPE) plan. But despite best efforts there is a big gap resulting due to the lack of resources, training and expertise.
To bridge this gap, there is a need for private intervention, both local and international. Good news for a number of international investors is that Kenyan government’s grand effort to improve the educational system within the country. It has largely been understood by the people and government agencies of Kenya that education is the key for economic and social development of the country.
(Image: Courtesy businessdailyafrica.com )
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