Training Deficit Leaves Government-Provided Tablets Idle in Schools
The government delivered 1.2 million tablets to 21,637 public primary schools, investing KSh30 billion to support online learning for children.
However, these devices remain unused in school cabinets due to insufficient teacher training in computer usage.
Maxwell Kayesi, an ICT teacher at Karuri High School, highlighted this issue during a nationwide digital pedagogy training exercise for teachers.
He emphasized the necessity of training teachers first when introducing new gadgets. This step was overlooked, leaving the teachers unprepared to utilize the tablets effectively.
Ongoing Training Initiatives
James Mwangi, working with a charity organization that provides computer training services to schools, stated that their organization has been traveling across the country to train teachers on using the tablets with learners.
They have reached over 40 schools in regions including 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 stressed the importance of empowering teachers to use these resources effectively.
He mentioned that their organization has been operating in the country for four years, consistently training teachers on tablet usage since the government delivered the devices.
The Need for ICT Systems
James Waithaka, head teacher of Kigumo Mbendera High School, expressed the need for robust ICT systems in schools.
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Many schools currently lack such centers, and donations of computers coupled with training present an 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.
Training Deficit Leaves Government-Provided Tablets Idle in Schools
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