Stakeholders in the educational sector are advocating for investment in technology-enhanced devices to help teachers enhance teaching and learning experiences.
They believe that the application of technology in schools will improve learning outcomes for students across the country.
In a discussion on the October 30, 2023 episode of Edtech Monday on the Citi Breakfast Show with Nathan Quao, the Chief Executive Officer and Founder of Practical Education Network (PEN), Heather Beem, emphasized, “Let’s remember that technology is exciting, it’s new, there are many things evolving and happening, but it’s just a tool, and a tool can only amplify what already exists. I would say, let’s keep looking and see what technology we can integrate into Ghanaian classrooms. But also, let’s keep investing in the foundation of the skills that teachers have.”
She called for the celebration of teachers at the grassroots level.
Beem called for celebrating teachers at the grassroots level to encourage and elevate the profession. She stated, “Let’s celebrate teachers more at the grassroots level to encourage and elevate the profession. The more society values teachers and pays them well, the more we will see talents going into that profession. Technology is new and can be intimidating. So, the more that we can do just a little celebration of teachers, I think it can help in the adoption. There is a lot more that can be done with technology to enhance what happens with the teaching and learning experience.”
Founder of Country International School, Mrs Barbara Adiyah, also called for investment in the development of teachers. She said, “I think we should invest heavily in the professional development of teachers by providing them with the requisite training to help them integrate technology, as it is expected. So that our classrooms will be on par with the rest of the world. I will plead that if the government or the bodies who can help make it less for schools or even free, it will help.”
She also suggested investing in the development of high-quality educational content and software.
She emphasized, “Invest in the development of high-quality educational content and software. This will be aligned with the curriculum, and engaging for students. And there should also be partnership and collaboration to help in the expertise of technology solutions.”
She acknowledged the integration of technology in teaching.
“Tell you what, the learning outcomes as a result of tech integration is phenomenal and invaluable. It has basically promoted innovative teaching techniques and has reduced and worked on teachers drastically through the process, though the process is difficult.
Teachers are able to present concepts with real-life videos and pictures and connect directly to the internet to verify information on complex topics. Whereas in the past, it would have been required them to report back to the class on another day.”
Lead Educational Consultant, Daniel Coffie, suggested that teachers be provided with the requisite platforms to aid their teaching. He said, “Within schools, they are providing the tools; you get the laptops, desktops, tablets, and special education. You want your teachers to be able to do their work, so provide them with the platforms. If your science lessons want to be more creative, you need the equipment. The simulations are there for the kids to make adjustments and see the effects. These are provided for the kids. Now, you have simple tools like the Microsoft package, where children can do their own.”
He also suggested that teachers be given guidance in using various apps that will aid their teaching. He explained, “I think the most important thing is to help teachers get comfortable using technology, whether it’s phones or laptops, for educational purposes. This includes using Google to search effectively for information, using YouTube to search effectively for educational content, and being able to communicate information in a digital way, in the form of presentations and documents.”
Coffie concluded by advocating for focusing on fundamental skills with the recognition that specific platforms will evolve over time.