Junior School Teachers drawn from eight sub counties in Kisumu undergo training on virtual laboratories at Nyakach Girls Senior School. Faith Matete
More than 150 Junior School teachers in Kisumu County have undergone training on the use of virtual laboratories in Mathematics and Integrated Science to improve practical learning under the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC).
The three-day training, organised by the Centre for Mathematics, Science and Technology Education in Africa (CEMASTEA), brought together teachers from the county's eight sub-counties.
It is part of a nationwide programme expected to train about 7,000 teachers on integrating digital laboratory simulations into classroom teaching.
Speaking during the training at Nyakach Girls Senior School, Kisumu County Trainers Representative Chadwick Ajwang said the programme aims to equip teachers with practical skills to conduct science lessons using virtual laboratories, especially in schools that lack fully equipped science facilities.
He explained that virtual laboratories use computer-based simulations to recreate real-life experiments, allowing learners to carry out practical activities without relying on physical laboratory equipment.
"The training focused on helping teachers understand virtual laboratories and how to integrate them into Mathematics and Integrated Science lessons.
Learners can still gain practical experience through simulations even where laboratory facilities are unavailable," said Ajwang.
He noted that teachers were also taken through lesson planning and the effective use of digital experiments to enhance classroom instruction.
The initiative comes as many junior schools continue to face shortages of laboratories and science equipment, making it difficult to implement practical lessons required under the CBC.
Ajwang said participants welcomed the training, describing virtual laboratories as an innovative solution to the challenges many schools experience.
"Most teachers appreciated the programme because it provides an alternative way of teaching science.
Many junior schools have struggled with inadequate laboratory facilities, and this technology can help bridge that gap," he said.
He added that virtual laboratories could also encourage independent learning, as students can continue exploring science experiments through smartphones and other digital devices outside the classroom.
"With increased access to digital devices, learners can revisit the simulations at home after being introduced to them in school, allowing them to reinforce what they have learned in class," he said.
Ajwang further observed that the technology has the potential to strengthen parental involvement in education, as parents and guardians can support learners using digital learning tools at home.
The Kisumu training follows the preparation of 240 county trainers by CEMASTEA in June.
The trainers have since been deployed to train Junior School Mathematics and Integrated Science teachers across the country.
Education stakeholders expect the adoption of virtual laboratories to improve access to practical STEM learning and reduce the impact of limited laboratory infrastructure, particularly in resource-constrained schools.
