Digital learning is set to expand with the launch of the Opiq platform that enables learners and teachers to access approved content online.
Opiq platform is a digital technology developed by an Estonian ICT start-up – Star Cloud.
Kenya on Monday joined the first African countries using the platform to enhance digital learning with its launch at the Elite Academy in Kisumu.
The launch was presided over by Estonian President Kersti Kaljulaid.
Kaljulaid said the launch of Opiq learning platform will help Kenya work towards digitising the school curriculum.
The move will allow both teachers and students access to online education and provide the opportunity to create an egalitarian school system.
She observed that the world was changing towards e-learning and the next generation must be abreast with new technology for survival.
Kisumu Elite Academy proprietor Michael Oliech said digital learning has helped them cut down on the use of paper and conserve the environment and the forests.
“From our experience of interacting with the new technology, our forests cover is set to improve from below three per cent to a higher percentage,” he said.
Oliech said Kenya has for a long time fought against the depletion of the carbon sinks to save the environment but the use of papers has remained a stumbling block.
He said the Opiq platform will allow the country to access knowledge from a big pool of teachers in various pedagogies.
“The system will support much collaboration of teachers in and outside the country hence enhance creativity among leaners,” he said.
Oliech said the push to fully venture into virtual learning was also promoted by the Covid-19 pandemic that forced an abrupt closure of schools.
“We cannot kill the future of education just because of covid and that is why Opiq learning is the way to go,” Oliech said.
The Estonian president said learning how to involve different types of approaches, especially contemporary ones such as participation and discovery, should receive full attention.
“This is very important as to achieve the learning goals, it is necessary to know which learning approaches teachers must implement,” Kaljulaid said.
Kaljulaid said teachers need to provide learners with a variety of possibilities to learn from using different approaches depending on the learning goals and their personal preferences.
“It is now confirmed that Estonian teachers are highly autonomous, which is essential for coping with the lockdown during the Covid-19 pandemic,” she said.
Oliech said students will be very interested in studying and collaborating with others when they get positive emotions.
He said teachers’ attention must be drawn to students’ emotions for Opiq learning to succeed.
