Africa’s journey to overcoming educational barriers to technology adoption

Integration of technology in the classroom is inevitable as technology continues to dominate in all industries including healthcare, finance as well as retail to name a few. It is clear however that schools in Africa are lagging behind when it comes to adopting new technologies in the classroom. Educators and learners are faced with hurdles and there is a general lack of support for education technology initiatives.

In the education field, teachers have to use new digital tools and apps in order to efficiently solve key problems at classroom level. This will not only improve teaching but it will also enhance learning.

Technology can make education systems more efficient by helping teachers and administrators streamline routine tasks and improve assessments and data collection. However, it is clear that the more developed and middle-income countries have made significant investments in ICT in education while lower-income countries struggle.

Infrastructure-Africa’s education infrastructure needs refurbishing. This includes providing robust wi-fi to support one-to-one learning is a significant financial challenge. Using tablets or mobile phones as a means to teach can drastically improve and impact the way learning is delivered.

Lack of funding-Like with everything else, funding is important. Implementing technology solutions in the classroom is costly and a budget needs to be put in place in order to introduce these new educational trends and technologies.

Training and development- With the devices and connectivity set and ready, Teachers need to know how to use them effectively. There needs to be appropriate teacher training and development provided and it needs to be long enough for them to grasp the concepts behind teaching with technology, so that they have hands-on experience using the technology,

With all of that in mind, IT News Africa will host the 3rd edition of the Education Innovation Summit on 31 May 2018 at the Hilton, Sandton, South Africa where education policy development representatives, school principals, Academics, University Chancellors, amongst others influencers will share their experiences on overcoming barriers to technology adoption in education.

The summit is designed to bring together innovation leaders and the academic community to accelerate innovative thinking in education. It will further provide discussion topics about cutting-edge education and technology challenges facing the industry today.

Other key topics will include:

• Change management: administrators and educational technologies- narrowing the divide.
• Fostering creativity through introducing design thinking to the educational process.
• Practical challenges of digital learning: getting the balance right for future-thinking.
• Transforming education: the power of ICT policies.
• Navigating the roadblocks to innovation in education.
• Transforming Education: The power of ICT Policies.
• Reimagining the Role of Technology in Higher Education.
• Innovation in Education: what works, what doesn’t, and what to do about it?
• ICT Integration in Education – Incorporation for Teaching & Learning Improvement.
• Creating an e-learning strategy that works.

Speakers at this year’s event include:

• Riaan Van Der Bergh, Technology Manager Education Lead, FEDSAS
• Anele Davids, Director, Ict And Teacher Development, Sci-Bono, Discovery Centre
• Dr James Keevy, Ceo, Jet Education Services
• Michelle Lissoos, Managing Director, Think Ahead Education Solutions
• Michele Botha, Assessment Specialist: Primary Schools: Independent Examination Board (IEB)
• Prof Duan Vd Westhuizen, Professor: Learning Technologies, University of Johannesburg
• Tom Parry, Co-Founder and MD South Africa, Instill Education

For more information regarding the summit, visit: http://www.educationinnovationsummit.co.za/
Sponsorships & Exhibitions: http://www.educationinnovationsummit.co.za/sponsor/

[t]: 011 026 0981/2 [e]: events@itnewsafrica.com