By John Bio.
The 21st Century has ushered in an era of rapid technological advancement, reshaping industries and societies worldwide. Education is no exception.
Minister Conrad Sackey, Minister of Basic and Senior Secondary Education is extremely excited about situating Education Technology (EdTech) in the Sierra Leonean classroom. At the Mastercard Foundation EdTech Conference in Abuja, he seized the opportunity to undertake several activities on the sidelines, including meeting with the Minister of State for Education, Dr Yusuf Sununu, and was granted a tour of the facility of the Digital Resource Centre of the Basic Education Commission, to witness a first-hand experience with regards the initiatives behind Smart Schools and Smart Teachers.
The Digital Resource Centre in Abuja is a globally-rated digital educational resource centre that focuses on contributing significantly to raising and sustaining qualitative and functional universal Basic Education delivery in Nigeria, by way of promoting at all times, quality educational content, contemporary capacity building and research opportunities that lead to the delivery of high-quality basic education services. In response to learning challenges associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, Nigeria has established 37 Smart Schools across the 36 States. Smart Schools leverage modern technology and innovative teaching methods to enhance the learning experience, making education more accessible, engaging, and effective. These schools integrate digital tools, interactive learning platforms, and data-driven strategies to create a dynamic and adaptive educational environment.
Minister Conrad Sackey in a three-hour engagement with the Representative of the Executive Secretary and staff of the Digital Resource Centre shared relevant pieces of information ranging from the characteristics of Smart Schools as cutting-edge technology, including digital classrooms, online resources, and advanced learning management systems, to focusing on learner-centred learning, fostering critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration.
It was also discussed that, by utilising real-time data and analytics, Smart Schools can tailor educational content to meet the diverse needs of learners, ensuring a more personalised learning experience. With regards to Smart teachers of the Smart Schools, it was discussed that they must also be deeply interested in Smart Education, and they must have a passion for using it on their learners. They must be fully conversant on how to actually implement smart education using the hardware and software solutions. They would therefore be carefully selected and they will have to undergo regular and extensive training.
Minister Conrad Sackey was so appreciative of the opportunity given to him by the Basic Education Commission and the Digital Resource Centre in Nigeria. These visits to the Digital Resource Centre and the engagement with the Minister of State for Education will only deepen the already established relationship and collaboration between Sierra Leone and Nigeria.
MINISTER CONRAD SACKEY VISITS THE DIGITAL RESOURCE CENTRE IN ABUJA
