KICD Advocates for E-Learning to Combat Teachers Shortage.
The Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD) is urging the adoption of technology to bolster distance learning as a strategy to mitigate the country’s shortage of teachers. During the launch of state-of-the-art digital teaching screen boards at Mount Kenya University (MKU) in Thika, Simon Gicharu, the Chairman of KICD’s Board, emphasized the pressing challenge of teacher deficits due to population growth.
Prof. Gicharu highlighted the pivotal role of technology in tackling teacher shortages, stating, “The most effective solution to address teacher scarcity is through technological advancements.” The recently acquired screen board from China, worth Sh28 million, will facilitate enhanced interaction between lecturers and students in virtual settings.
Gicharu, who also chairs MKU’s Board of Directors, elaborated on the benefits of the display board, which allows lecturers to integrate various apps and teaching aids to simplify complex concepts during virtual training sessions, thereby ensuring effective learning.
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Acknowledging the evolving landscape of education, Gicharu suggested that traditional brick-and-mortar models may eventually yield to open universities offering programs through virtual platforms. “We must adapt to technological advancements, including concepts like Artificial Intelligence (AI), to stay abreast of global trends,” he emphasized.
Furthermore, Gicharu announced MKU’s commitment to integrating digital transformation across all open and distance electronic learning (ODEL) platforms, making MKU students among the first beneficiaries of this technological leap. “We envision seamless integration of interactive displays across our campuses, ensuring our students receive unparalleled learning experiences,” he stated.
Transforming Education with Interactive Displays
MKU’s Vice Chancellor, Deogratius Jaganyi, echoed Gicharu’s sentiments, expressing confidence in the interactive screens’ ability to enhance content delivery and foster meaningful interactions between students and lecturers. Jaganyi emphasized the university’s readiness to embrace the fourth industrial revolution by incorporating technology-mediated teaching methods to meet the current generation’s educational needs.
Additionally, Jaganyi highlighted the collaborative benefits of interactive displays, particularly for postgraduate students, in promoting a dynamic research ecosystem within universities. “These advancements will significantly elevate the quality of e-learning and conferencing experiences at MKU,” he concluded.
Merceline Kamonde, MKU’s Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Academic and Research Affairs, noted that over 12,000 online learners at the university stand to benefit from these digital interactive displays, further enhancing MKU’s commitment to innovative and accessible education.
KICD Advocates for E-Learning to Combat Teachers Shortage.