Advances in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) have dramatically changed the learning and teaching process, and have expanded new learning opportunities and access to educational resources beyond the domain of tradition.
My particular interest on e-education is predicated on three possible realities:
- the first is that I expect local human capital and expertise to be the next big Swazi Export product after sugar, and a major contributor to GDP.
- The second is that there is a new moral obligation for tax-funded education (and I say ‘tax-funded’ with very much tongue in-cheek).
- Thirdly, a solution has to be found if indeed every Swazi child, boy or girl, urban or rural, is to have equal access to a life of learning.
Firstly, what is e-education and how can it help a nation like ours? e-education goes far beyond developing computer literacy and the skills necessary to operate various types of ICT’s. In its rudimentary essence, however, it has to do with the ability to apply ICT skills to access, analyse, evaluate, integrate, present and communicate information. But also it has to do with enhancing teaching and learning through communication and collaboration by using ICT.
I will be first to admit that in our neck of the woods, e-education is an unfamiliar skills-delivery concept whose real prospects oftentimes fail to capture the imagination of many Swazis. But I submit with great confidence that it is a viable technique for Swaziland and indeed, can go a long way in mitigating the costs associated with a ‘free’ education exercise. In developed countries, this concept has become a way of life, largely because they have a robust tele-communications infrastructure. But so do we!
In fact, and at the risk of being overly presumptuous - for which I offer my sincere apologies in advance, our tele-communications infrastructure will soon be the envy of the region. In a matter of months or less, barring unforeseen circumstances of course, it will be as robust as any country in Europe. That’s right. That is why things like e-health, e-commerce, etc, are now possible, right now and right here in our own beautiful Kingdom.
But what is the significance of e-education particularly for Swaziland, and why especially now? Information and communication technology creates equitable access to learning opportunities, and also redress the much talked about inequalities, particularly those based on gender. Also, it improves the quality of learning and teaching. ICT can accommodate differences in learning styles and remove barriers to learning by providing expanded opportunities and individualised experiences. Doesn’t this sound good for a country like ours? Of course, it does.
ICT can enhance educational reform by enabling teachers and students to move away from traditional approaches of learning and teaching. In an ICT-enabled teaching and learning environment, there is a shift from teacher-centred, task-oriented, memory-based education to an inclusive and integrated practice where students work collaboratively, develop shared practices, engage in meaningful debates, develop creative thinking and problem solving skills. A plethora of previously unavailable benefits arise as a consequence.
Empirical evidence abound to support that investments in ICT yield positive results for students and teachers. Studies have demonstrated improved achievement in:
- application and production of knowledge for the real world;
- ability to promote achievement for students who experience barriers to learning;
- and access to information that increases knowledge, inquiry and depth of investigation.
- ICT policies for Education, political leadership and commitment; Public- Private Partnerships;
- collaboration and cooperation;
- Open source software and operating systems;
- Broadband Internet connectivity (DSL);
- Wireless networks deployment - (NGN, WiFi, WiMAX, etc).
Most of these things are already in place in Swaziland.
We are now already in discussions with the Ministry of ICT to implement on a trial basis an e-health facility which we hope will see the first rural clinic receiving medical care from a specialist doctor in Mbabane. But also we are in discussions to implement a structured trial run e-learning service where perhaps a teacher from a leading high school in Mbabane will be teaching students in a rural school by way of a connection to our NGN network, thereby creating a virtual classroom. Now let your imagination go further: imagine every school and learning centre in the rural areas connected into one - real time online - and the best-in-class teachers in the various subjects in Swaziland teaching each particular subject!. Do the same for rural clinics, with best-in-class doctors in Mbabane, etc.
Can you see it now? If so, welcome to the turf of SPTC where ICT changes the real lives, of real people! Welcome to our world. Let’s explore it together.
References:
- InfoDev.org/ict4edu- Africa;
- National Science Foundation;
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Autor(en)/Author(s): E.Nathi Dlamini
Quelle/Source: The Swazi Observer, 28.11.2009
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