In the school of digital technology, most Nigerian teachers are slow learners. A large number of teachers learn from their students how to operate and manipulate their smart phones or spend days and weeks poring over operating manuals. At a time when learning has been redefined by digital technology that allows tons of learning resources to be uploaded on smart phones and other electronic tablets at the push of a button, no teacher can survive the rigours of modern-day classroom while fixated on using an outdated mobile phone to dial and receive phone calls only.
However, it is hoped that the recent launching of the Samsung Smart School for Teachers in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Education, over this situation, would bring respite to the ICT disadvantaged teachers across the country. The project was launched at the Federal Government Boys College, Apo, Abuja with others slated for Ogun, Rivers, Delta and Imo states respectively. The initiators of the training programme said 10, 000 teachers would receive training as primary beneficiaries, with an outreach target of 5, 000 students as secondary beneficiaries over a five year period.
The Managing Director, Samsung Electronics West Africa, Mr. Brovo Kim, said the Samsung Smart School concept would be implemented in urban schools with the infrastructure, but lacking the requisite skills needed to use ICT for teaching and learning.
“In line with the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goal to improve education, we believe it is essential to equip teachers with basic computer literacy, as well as the tools they need to use ICTs for curriculum development and more impacting teaching; and the Samsung Smart School for Teachers is an important step in achieving this,” he said.
Enquires by Education Review revealed that the launch of the Samsung Smart School for Teachers would enable teachers to receive training that would teach them to access digital content, share it with students, monitor students’ progress and conduct assessments. The initiative is part of Samsung’s global efforts to use technology to increase the quantity of students who have access to quality learning materials and facilities, as well as to improve the quality of education given out by tutors.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information, Dr Folasade Yemi-Esan, who represented the Minister of Education, Mr. Adamu Adamu, expressed her excitement on the project, which she said would have an impact on education in the country. She also hailed Samsung’s efforts and contribution towards ICT development within the country.
“We are indeed grateful to Samsung for tapping into the goal of the Ministry of Education to train quality teachers. We encourage all beneficiaries of this project to take full ownership of the project and let the improved quality of teaching reflect in our students’ results” she said.
Mrs. Yemi-Esan urged all stakeholders in the education sector to partner with the Ministry of Education to salvage the country’s educational system. “As ICT becomes more and more entrenched in our lives, it is essential that our students are exposed to it, guided by teachers who can use technology to add real value to the learning experience.”
While commending the initiative, the Principal, Federal Government Boys College, Apo, Mr. Jonathan Mbaakaa, added that for relevance in the digital age, teachers must do a lot in the area of ICT knowledge and application, if the teaching profession is to transform to global level of relevance and competitiveness.
“With the help of this Samsung Smart School, I believe we will be well on our way to ensuring that our teachers will have the opportunity to easily access quality teaching resources and in return impact our students with quality knowledge,” he said.
THE SUN
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