Kenya Leads the Pack in Digital Literacy Learning Programs

Kenya is leading in terms of digital literacy learning program with technology being widely adopted in classrooms and other initiatives like curriculum modernization, teacher training, and the introduction of digital content in classrooms, said Warren Fleur, Microsoft’s Regional Manager, Education Industry Sub Saharan Africa.

Speaking to the Capital Business on the sidelines of the ongoing Bett MEA summit in Abu Dhabi at the United Arabs Emirates, Warren says that Kenya is at the forefront followed by Rwanda.

He noted that in terms of integration of technology in Africa and the rest of the world, it is a mixed bag and while some regions are seeing significant innovations, others are lagging. He also added that Rwanda is closely following the footsteps of Kenya.

According to Warren, it is an unfair comparison to contrast Africa with the rest of the world. UAE and the larger Middle East, for instance, they are a large population with more intractable infrastructures. However, there are challenges like modernizing the curricula and utilizing the new technologies in learning.

“The use of technology will go a long way in helping overcome these challenges. It will be about using technology in a way that will attract and spark innovation in the students. Teachers, therefore, need to inspire this in students as it is being seen at the UAE. Africa could learn this from schools in the UAE,” Warren said.

Still, on the topic, he made a statement about Microsoft showcase schools and the number of the number in Kenya. Microsoft showcase schools are teaching practices aimed at applying technology to support innovative approaches to learning.

According to Microsoft, the showcase is considered a holistic delivery of change in terms of teaching, how content is used, the adoption of virtual technology, and the ways of collaborating with schools across the world. In Kenya, there are about 7 showcase schools and 40 across the continent.

Parents, schools and the society need to adopt the new technology for as we approach the third decade of the millennium, students need to be prepared for the daily dynamics of the digital world. The integration of the new technology. This way, students all over the continent will be better equipped and skilled on the trends around the globe,” Warren said.

Meanwhile, he also recognized modern students across the African continent as rich, collaborative, have unique ideas, and are highly impressive when it comes to problem-solving.

“Africa is inherently a problem-solving part of the world and this student is the one looking for a solution where they use technology,” he concluded.