Reimagining the Role of Technology in Higher Education

Integrating technology into the classroom creates solutions and problems in equal measure, but in this digitally driven age it has become essential to the learning process of especially higher education students.

The availability of mass open online courses (Moocs) grants both students and teachers the opportunity to partake in a far more flexible learning experience with no restraints on time and location. However, few rural areas have the necessary technological infrastructure and connectivity for distance learning students to truly benefit. These platforms are also largely based on one-way communication, making it harder for students to engage with the study material and educators to provide adequate feedback.

In 2006, the Partnership for Higher Education in Africa (PHEA) concluded that the existence of national, or even institutional ICT frameworks did not necessarily constitute for an environment in which educational technology could thrive.

The partnership looked at nine African countries (Egypt, Ghana, Kenya, Madagascar, Mozambique, Nigeria, South Africa, Tanzania and Uganda) to get an overview of the status of existing national ICT policy frameworks or supporting legislation within the these countries. It found that policy accounts for little when there is no concrete technology plan in place for implementation, as well as a need for funding.

In essence, it would seem that the issue goes far beyond just figuring out how to get the latest tech into classrooms to make for a stimulating and practical learning environment.

These and other topics will be discussed in more detail at the 3rd edition of the Education Innovation Summit hosted by IT News Africa on 31 May 2018 at the Hilton, Sandton, South Africa where education policy development representatives, school principals, Academics, University Chancellors, amongst other 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.
• 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
• Sean Laval, Innovations and Customer Solutions Executive: SqwidNet
• Wesley Lynch, CEO and founder of Snapplify

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