Digital Education Africa Network (DEAN) recently raised close to Sh20 million funds to help improve the quality of education in Kenya.
According to the organization, the funding will sponsor over 30 schools across the country to build and sustain an ICT infrastructure by providing digital tools and digital literacy skills training.
Since 2001 DEAN has been enhancing education by integrating IT in the classroom based on concrete demands from schools in Kenya and Tanzania.
The organisation says it has realised the positive outcomes from the impact of adapting modern tools to teach and learn over the past few years.
“Students perform better in the STEAM subjects because learning is more practical and interactive. We have also recorded higher retention and concentration levels among the students as the tools tap into a child’s sense of play,” says Dr Pamela, Principal of Magogoni Secondary School.
The incredible advances in technology have changed the way people communicate, interact and work.
Digital literacy, also known as virtual learning and e-learning, has the potential to improve lifelong learning
“At DEAN, we understand that beginning digital literacy programs in lower grades is essential. Introduction to digital media prepares young children and teenagers for the skills they need to engage in technology both safely and responsibly. What’s more, digital technology education empowers and educates children by providing them with the tools they need to thrive in an ever-changing digital world,” states the organization.
Additionally, the organization states that digital literacy is a crucial factor in education and it is glad to be contributing to accelerating the process.
Teaching digital literacy in primary and secondary schools is all about understanding that today’s children need different skills and technological knowledge to think critically, evaluate their work, and engage with a global community.
Teachers play a key role in the practical application of technologies in classrooms and thus the extent to which technologies improve a student’s performance.
“At DEAN, we support the view that education is at the root of positive socioeconomic change. Our digital solution can be deployed across any location in remote and rural areas to reach as many students as possible. Our focus is on realizing an enabling and supportive environment for educational institutes to offer relevant tools, content, training and a support structure,” states the organization.