REPUBLIC OF KENYA By Dr. Belio R. Kipsang PRINCIPAL SECRETARY, State Department of Education Ministry of Education, Science & Technology, Kenya UNESCO Conference on Mobile Learning week 20 th Feb,2014, PARIS, FRANCE.
Presentation Summary Overview of Kenya Overview of mobile technology in Kenya The Kenya Laptop Initiative Learning for mobile communities Way forward
An overview -Kenya REPUBLIC OF KENYA An overview -Kenya Population 38.3 million Area : 580,367 sq metres Per capita income US 630 Education receives 6.6 % of GDP Education Literacy rate -61.5 % ECD 2,405,504(NER 53.3%) Primary 9.9m (NER 95.3%) (2012) Secondary 1.9m (2012 (NER 33.3% Out of school children: (6-13) 1.9 million (2009) Out of school children: (14-17) 2.7 million (2009) Teacher Pupils Ratio: 1:57
Mobile Learning Mobile Learning in Kenya s Educational context refers to an initiative that aims to increase access to education for children who would otherwise find it difficult to access education in fixed schools as well as providing an opportunity for enhancing teacher pedagogy and professional development for mobile teachers.
Overview of Mobile Technology in Kenya Mobile Phone Penetration in Kenya : 76.9% Changed life in profound ways : Banking, Agriculture, Security, personnalized innovations etc. Creation of applications particularly by the Youth
Current use of Mobile Technology in Mainstream Education Statistical Data collection Transmission of Examination Results Teacher Parent relationship The Kenya Primary Mathematics and Reading Initiative (PRIMR)
Objectives: Kenya Lap-top Initiative Improve the quality of teaching and learning Expose pupils at an early age to 21st Century skills so as to spur innovation and creativity Achieve global competitiveness
Digital Content developed Current Status Improvement of infrastructure for over 23,000 primary schools - ongoing Coordination and support of relevant Ministries, teachers union, community and political leaders secured Procurement of laptops in progress Capacity building for teachers on going
Advantages Digital content brain stored (efficiency in implementation). Targets every child (impact) The formal curriculum can be packaged and adapted to context (relevance). Possibilities of audio-visual learning(innovation) Takes care of Environmental concerns (water, dust, shocks) Connectivity to internet thus access to extensive learning opportunities (innovation/creativity). Sustainability (ICT capitation, technician/ license agent, communication strategy, company warranty,)
Outstanding Issues Legal issues e.g. e-waste management. Portability. Source of power. Storage. Replacement policy.
Hard to reach Learners Potential to expand access, quality and equity to reach every child. Offer flexible and continuous learning. Addresses current Trade offs between herding and schooling Uniformity in quality control.
Benefits Increased access, Retention and Transition among children from Nomadic communities Enhanced parental and community participation and support to Education Initiatives Enhanced Community Adult literacy Improved teacher pedagogy and professional development Develop capacity for reducing impact of drought and emergencies among Nomadic Communities
Recommendations Integrate ICT into mobile learning in order to enhance access and quality of Education An effective mobile learning model should: i) Break the barriers and challenges of the fixed school system. ii) Maximize on teachers time The quality of Mobile learning should be founded by its effectiveness and Economic Sustainability not by the level of technology. Need to use an effective media to reach learners and teachers
Way forward Establish National Council for Nomadic Education in Kenya (NACONEK) Implement the strategy on Distance Learning (DL) Adopt best practices on how mobile technology can complement Kenya s efforts in reaching the unreached Undertake further research on interventions and strategies
THANK YOU ASANTENI SANA