Government-Provided Tablets Remain Unused Due to Lack of Teacher Training.
In a significant move to boost online learning, the government delivered 1.2 million tablets to 21,637 public primary schools, investing KSh30 billion. However, these devices remain largely unused, gathering dust in school cabinets. The reason? Insufficient teacher training in computer usage.
Maxwell Kayesi, an ICT teacher at Karuri High School, brought this issue to light during a nationwide digital pedagogy training exercise for teachers. He emphasized that training teachers should have been the first step when introducing new technology. Unfortunately, this crucial step was overlooked, leaving teachers unprepared to effectively utilize the tablets.
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James Mwangi, associated with a charity organization dedicated to providing computer training services to schools, has been on a mission to address this gap. His organization has traveled across the country, training teachers to use the tablets with their students. They have reached over 40 schools in regions such as Eastern, Embu, Tharaka Nithi, Mombasa, Kajiado, Kakamega, and Kiambu. Their efforts have impacted over 40,000 learners, establishing e-learning centers in these areas.
Mwangi highlighted the importance of empowering teachers to use these resources effectively. His organization has been operating in the country for four years, consistently training teachers on tablet usage since the government’s initial delivery of the devices.
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James Waithaka, head teacher of Kigumo Mbendera High School, underscored the urgent need for robust ICT systems in schools. Many schools currently lack such centers. Donations of computers, combined with proper training, present a golden opportunity to embrace new learning technologies. Waithaka believes that incorporating technology in schools will motivate learners and enhance teachers’ ability to deliver knowledge swiftly and effectively.
In conclusion, while the government’s initiative to provide tablets to schools is commendable, the lack of adequate teacher training has rendered these devices underutilized. Efforts by organizations like the one Mwangi represents are vital in bridging this gap. To fully realize the potential of these technological tools, a concerted effort to train teachers is essential. This will not only make the investment worthwhile but also significantly enhance the learning experience for students across the country
Government-Provided Tablets Remain Unused Due to Lack of Teacher Training.
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