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How COVID-19 is transforming the way students are educated
In a matter of months COVID-19 has changed how students are educated after numerous countries put forward strict measures and closed schools. Robert Stephanus Kleynhans, Director, SABIS International School Runda joined CNBC Africa to give insight on how the education system in Kenya is responding to these changes and if the new solutions for education could bring much needed innovation in the sector.
Tue, 31 Mar 2020 14:59:17 GMT
Disclaimer: The following content is generated automatically by a GPT AI and may not be accurate. To verify the details, please watch the video
AI Generated Summary
- The swift transition from traditional to digital learning in response to school closures due to the COVID-19 pandemic
- The challenges faced in ensuring connectivity and access to digital tools for all students, highlighting the digital divide in the education sector
- The potential for innovation and transformation in the education sector through the adoption of digital learning platforms
The education sector in Kenya has faced unprecedented challenges in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. In a recent interview on CNBC Africa, Robert Stephanus Kleynhans, Director of SABIS International School Runda, shed light on how schools in the country have responded to the crisis and transitioned from traditional learning to digital education. As many countries around the world implemented strict measures and closed schools to curb the spread of the virus, the education system had to swiftly adapt to new ways of teaching and learning. SABIS International School Runda was well-prepared for this transition, having provided students with digital tools such as tablets equipped with all the necessary teaching materials. This foresight allowed for a seamless shift to online learning when schools were forced to close their doors. Kleynhans emphasized that many schools in Kenya, both international and local, had to confront the challenge of ensuring connectivity and access to digital tools for all students. While some parents faced issues with internet connectivity and power supply at home, feedback from SABIS International School Runda parents indicated that the majority were able to participate effectively in online learning. The positive response from parents highlighted the importance of having digital infrastructure in place to support education during times of crisis. The pandemic has brought to light the disparity in access to digital resources among students, particularly for those attending schools that lack the necessary infrastructure. Kleynhans acknowledged that while schools like SABIS International School Runda were well-equipped to facilitate online learning, there remained a digital divide in the education sector that could exacerbate inequality. Schools that were not able to transition to digital platforms had to resort to sending physical learning materials home with students, creating a divide between those who could access online resources and those who could not. Despite these challenges, Kleynhans remained optimistic about the future of education in Kenya, emphasizing the importance of schools making provisions for potential school closures and ensuring that learning could continue seamlessly through digital means. While the shift to digital learning may have been accelerated by the pandemic, it also presents an opportunity for innovation in the education sector. By embracing technology and adapting to new modes of teaching, schools in Kenya have the potential to transform the way students are educated and bridge the gap between traditional and digital learning methods.
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