Experts seek adoption of digital tools for improved learning outcomes

Experts in the educational field have advocated the need for the government and other stakeholders to devote resources or energy to teachers and learners in order to encourage the adoption of digital tools to improve learning outcomes.

This was one of the major points at the just concluded October edition of Edtech Mondays organised by the Co-Creation Hub (CCHUB) in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation’s Centre for Innovative Teaching & Learning in ICT.

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This edition of the initiative themed “Building digital tools that empower teachers and learners” was moderated by Chinyelu Akpa, the practice lead, Education, CCHUB, which featured Edtech experts.

According to a UNESCO report published in 2016, it was estimated that the entire Sub-Saharan Africa would still need 15 million teachers to reverse the teacher shortage. This emphasises the role of teachers as critical resources for making impactful transformations in the lives of people and society at large.

Speaking during the session, the global award-winning teacher, Abiola Alabi said there was a need for relevant stakeholders, especially the government to create an enabling environment as well as motivation for teachers to embrace technology.

While calling for the review of the school curriculum in such a manner that would give room for better understanding and collaboration to make learning fun, Alabi noted that with the right incentive, the majority of teachers would be discouraged from leaving Nigeria’s shore for greener pasture.

In her remarks, Joy Bassey, instructional design lead, Exampadi, identified 3 major factors that must be considered when designing instructional tools and these include understanding learning objectives, provision of actionable content, and availability of appealing engaging visuals that give context based on different learning demographics.

Bassey advised Edtech organisations to pay adequate attention to theories or principles underlining the development of educational tools as this would go a long way to assist them in producing relevant products that are capable of transforming learning outcomes for students.

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Also, Success Ojo, co-founder, Gotocourse Incorporated, stated that support from the government has become necessary “if we are committed to promoting digital literacy among Nigerians.” Ojo advised the government to invest in digital infrastructure and resources in order to improve the adoption of digital tools among learners and teachers, as digital tools hold the future for learning.