The shortage of teachers can be addressed by adopting distance learning, Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development chairman Prof Simon Gicharu has said.
He said the deficit is a serious challenge because the learners population is rising by the day and the government is unable to employ all teachers.
Gicharu said the best way to tackle the problem lies in the use of technology.
He spoke while launching newly acquired digital teaching screen boards at Mount Kenya University that will be used to enhance lecturer-student interaction virtually. The 18 devices were bought from China for Sh28 million.
“These displays allow a lecturer to incorporate a range of useful apps or teaching aids that support in simplifying different concepts in class, hence enabling a lecturer to be more effective in training students virtually,” Gicharu said.
He said the traditional model of “brick and mortar universities” will most likely be replaced by open universities that offer programmes through virtual platforms and retain only small administrative offices.
“The same way we remember with nostalgia the technology of the 1980’s, is the same way our current technology will be viewed four decades to come,” Gicharu said.
“As a university, we need to ensure that we are alive to where the world is going, embrace technological transformations and some changes that may be unpopular, including adoption of the artificial intelligence concept.”
He said the digital transformation agenda will be embraced in all open and distance electronic learning platforms and MKU students will be among the first in the country to benefit from this technology.
“We expect that these interactive displays will be fully integrated in our training in Thika main campus and in all our campuses and ODEL centres. We are fully committed to ensure our students have the best learning experience,” said Gicharu, who is also the MKU Board of Directors chairman.
MKU vice chancellor Prof Deogratius Jaganyi said it is time the university to fully embraces the fourth industrial revolution by entrenching technology mediated modalities of teaching and learning to meet the needs and expectations of the current generation.
“MKU has embraced digital transformation and we are well aware that pacing up growth in digital technologies will give us a competitive advantage in a turbulent and highly competitive higher education environment,” he said.
Jaganyi said the interactive screens will support content delivery and enhance interaction between students and lecturers.
“I also note that the interactive displays will be useful in supporting collaborations, conferencing and presentations for postgraduate students hence promoting a vibrant research ecosystem in the university," he said.
"All this will go a long way towards enhancing the transformative quality of teaching in e-learning and conferencing experiences at MKU.”
Deputy vice chancellor academic and research affairs Dr Marceline Kamande said the university has more than 12,000 learners using online platforms who will benefit from the digital interactive displays.
