Learners in rural public junior schools are set to benefit from interactive smart boards and teacher laptops as the government expands the use of digital technology in classrooms under the National Digital Class Experience.
The programme was launched at Sitotwet Junior Secondary School (JSS) in Narok South. It seeks to equip public junior schools with the devices to support the Competency-Based Education (CBE) curriculum and prepare learners for a technology-driven future.
Information Communication and Technology Authority (ICTA) Chief Executive Officer Jessy Kiveu Maruti said the first phase, which targeted 50 per cent of the 10,382 public junior schools identified for the programme, has been completed. The authority expects the rollout to cover all targeted schools by April next year.
"The programme is designed to give learners across the country more equitable access to technology and the educational opportunities it creates," Maruti said.
Under the programme, each public junior school is expected to receive an interactive smart board and teacher laptops. The laptops will support lesson preparation and give teachers access to digital educational content for use in class.
ICTA board member Nayianoi Ntutu said the initiative would help children in rural areas acquire digital skills and access learning opportunities comparable to those available to their counterparts in major towns.
The smart boards will allow teachers to use videos, illustrations and digital presentations in lessons. The technology is also expected to help teachers explain difficult concepts more clearly and encourage learners to participate actively.
Maruti said reliable broadband connectivity will be necessary for schools to make effective use of the technology and access online educational resources. He said the authority is working to ensure schools have dependable internet to support the programme.
The initiative is being implemented by the national government through the Ministry of ICT and the Digital Economy, the Ministry of Education and ICTA under the Kenya Digital Economy Acceleration Project, with support from the World Bank.
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