Education at all stages of learning is gradually changing from classroom-based to a wider scope, which focuses on giving solutions to problems affecting human beings. It’s no longer what you know or conversant with in theory of education, but rather application of the knowledge and skills combined with modern technology and advancement to make life better, enjoyable, relevant and favorable to all.
Achieving such a dream cannot be individual-centered or government’s responsibility entirely, but should be a collective responsibility, bringing together teachers and educationists, writers, professionals, supportive NGOs, well-wishers and technological companies to make it a reality.
Many countries especially in third world, are still struggling to adopt and cope up with technological innovations that can transform education and make learning process a practical one, with ability to make learners fit in the job market upon completion of their studying career.
This is the basis from which “Kenya EdTech Summit and Awards” was formed, under the leadership of Chasing Mavericks management in partnership with Global Peace Foundation Kenya, to annually celebrate and acknowledge game changers in education through embracing technology as a key tool in teaching process.
This is a leading professional and development “Summit and Awards” that focuses on technology, integration strategies and digital tools, which transform education in order to enrich lives of leaners. This year’s event was held at Movenpick Hotel and Residences, Westlands in Nairobi, under the theme: “Promoting Teaching and Learning through Innovative Technology” which brought together over 500 stakeholders in education across the country and beyond.
The knowledgeable panelists who graced the occasion discussed and elaborated widely on various sub-topics such as:
–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 among others.
The event saw mentionable number of organizations and companies awarded for their endless efforts and commitments in making education a solution finder. Some of these institutions are 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.
Speaking at the sideline of the event, Global Peace Foundation Kenya Country Director Mr. Daniel Juma Omondi, told the press that there is need to involve technology in promoting entrepreneurship, as a form of giving learners a platform to express, incubate and develop their skills and innovations.
“It is an honor for me to participate in this event. This summit is a clear way of appreciating use of technology in betterment of education and it’s also in line with our Leap Hub program that creates conducive spaces for learners to be innovative and nurture their talents”
On her part, Ms. Bekere Amassoma, Program Manager, Sub-Saharan Africa, Oracle Academy who attended the event virtually, explained the use of technology in education, key roles and tools that the company uses in supporting innovative learning and ensuring that educationist, especially teachers and lecturers are up-to-date with modern technological skills that can better the learning process, more so in STEM education.
“We as Oracle Academy, remain committed in working with all stakeholders to ensure that education in Africa and the entire globe meets the objective of learners, teachers, parents and employers by adopting teaching techniques that are advanced and that make the learner an all-round-person.”
Supporting the same sentiments, Mr. John Kimotho, Senior Deputy Director, Educational Services at KICD, said that the institution through the ministry of education and national government has tremendously invested in changing the education in Kenya by introducing new Competency-Based Curriculum, to expound on the limitations of acquiring knowledge and skills to incorporate talent promotion as well.
Other dignitaries who voiced their support for this noble initiative are; Mr. Robert Ochieng’, CEO and Co-Founder, Abojani Investments; Ms. Lilian Mutegi, Operations Manager, Electronic Learning and Consultants Limited; Mr. Daniel Muhoro, Co-Founder and Managing Director, The Discovery Centre and Dr. Julius Otundo, Senior Lecturer, Riara University who all agreed with the need not only to realign teaching process but also make it affordable, even in remote areas where internet connectivity and use of technology in learning is still dormant and inactive.
As curtain fell to mark the end of this year’s Summit and Awards, the core lesson which the participants took home was to make sure that the event does not end at the celebration table but rather fulfill the good deeds and commitments expressed by panelists that go beyond imaginations to form a milestone of future remembrance in the education calendar and ecosystem.
To all, who joined hands in making the event a reality, we say thank you and let’s keep the fire burning and transform our education for good.