The government, through the Ministry of Education, is exploring ways to address the teacher shortage in the country by partnering with tech companies, particularly Seiko Epson.
Principal Secretary for Basic Education, Belio Kipsang, while receiving the President of Seiko Epson, Yasunori Ogawa, in his office said that the government would engage tech companies in teaching and learning at the school level.
Additionally, he noted that the ministry would work with technology companies to reduce teacher shortages by deploying technology in smart classrooms.
This, according to Dr Kipsang, would enable a limited number of teachers to teach thousands of learners across several schools, promoting resource sharing and efficiency.
“This is an opportunity for partnership where we can use technology in resource sharing,” Dr. Kipsang said.
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CEO of Seiko Epson Expresses Enthusiasm for the Partnership
The CEO of Seiko Epson Yasunori Ogawa, on his part, expressed the company’s willingness to invest in Africa and contribute to education in the region.
“We are in Africa and wish to invest in Africa, we encompass a philosophy for eliminating waste and increasing precision,” the Epson president CEO said.
Also Read: TSC Says More than 111,000 Teachers Needed to Combat Shortage
He highlighted Epson’s strong history in electronic technology and its ability to connect low-energy ICT gadgets to create educational technology that can benefit developing countries in Africa.
How Smart Classrooms Work
Smart classrooms are revolutionizing the way students learn and teachers teach.
These cutting-edge learning environments are equipped with advanced technology designed to enhance the learning experience and streamline teaching processes.
The goal of a smart class is to make learning more engaging, interactive, and effective by leveraging digital tools and resources.
By incorporating technology into the learning process, smart classrooms aim to prepare students for success in the digital age by developing essential skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and digital literacy.
Features of Smart Classroom Seiko Epson Will Develop
At the heart of these modern classrooms are interactive whiteboards, which allow teachers to display multimedia content, write notes, and engage with educational software.
The boards are a far cry from traditional chalkboards, providing a more dynamic and engaging way for students to absorb information.
In addition to interactive whiteboards, smart classrooms often feature digital devices such as tablets or laptops.
These devices provide students with access to a wide range of educational resources, including online textbooks, educational apps, and multimedia content.
This digital access in turn enables students to learn at their own pace, explore topics in-depth, and develop essential skills such as digital literacy.
Additional Features
Educational software is another key component of smart classrooms. This software helps teachers to create customized lesson plans, track student progress, and provide personalized feedback.
It also enables students to collaborate on projects, share ideas, and engage in group activities.
High-speed internet connectivity is a crucial aspect of smart classrooms, allowing students to access a vast array of educational resources and online platforms.
This connectivity enables students to participate in remote learning, collaborate with peers from around the world, and engage in global discussions.
Ruto Pledges to Employ 20,000 teachers
In a bid to address the shortage of teachers in schools, the government has put several measures in place aimed at improving the quality of education in the country.
Earlier this year, President William Ruto said that his government would employ over 20,000 teachers over the course of the year.
“This year I will take a proposal to Parliament. I want the MPs to hold discussions so we can employ 20,000 more teachers to educate our children,” he said.
Also Read: Magoha Asks Next Gov’t for More Time to Complete CBC Classrooms
The president emphasized the importance of a well-equipped education system in shaping the nation’s future.
“With the addition of 20,000 teachers, were taking a significant step in our commitment to providing quality education to every child in Kenya.”
“We believe education is a fundamental right and every child deserves access to it.” said Ruto.
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