Nakuru: The County Government of Nakuru is integrating Information Communication Technology (ICT) in Early Childhood Development Education Centres (ECDE) in order to improve learning outcomes.
According to Kenya News Agency, County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Education, ICT, and e-government, Ms. Zipporah Wambui, emphasized that despite challenges such as the county's vast geography and varied demographics, the increasing availability of internet connectivity, mobile phones, and laptops presents an opportunity to reach even the most isolated communities.
Ms. Wambui further highlighted that Governor Susan Kihika's administration is committed to investing in digital infrastructure and utilizing mobile platforms. This initiative aims to ensure that educational content is widely disseminated, providing every child in the county access to quality learning resources.
During a recent meeting with officials from Education Impact (EIDU), a digital platform offering educational content to public schools, the CECM underscored the pivotal role of ICT in overcoming systematic challenges, including infrastructure limitations and teacher shortages.
Ms. Wambui revealed that the County Government has partnered with EIDU to enhance the capacity of ECDE teachers in using digital methodologies for delivering Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) lessons. This initiative is poised to elevate the quality of education for early learners in Nakuru County.
The program focuses on developing learners' knowledge and skills in literacy and numeracy, equipping them cognitively, physically, socially, and emotionally for success in primary school. Ms. Wambui expressed satisfaction with the training provided to ECDE teachers, which has positively impacted learners across the county.
Ms. Wambui praised the County's dedication to digital literacy for young learners through ICT integration in ECDE, aligning with current trends and the Kenya Kwanza government's digital transformation agenda. She highlighted the significant potential of ICT to enhance education quality, a key pillar of sustainable development.
In her remarks, Ms. Wambui noted the ongoing digital revolution's impact on various sectors, including education, and emphasized the necessity for modern educational approaches to incorporate ICT for increased efficiency. The integration of technology into curriculum delivery promises improved content delivery methods and a broader teaching and learning resource base.
The CECM also pointed out the benefits of e-learning, made possible by digital tools and content, which offers innovative and flexible means to support quality learning and teaching. E-learning encompasses content delivery through electronic media, including the Internet and various interactive platforms.
Globally, ICTs are becoming fundamental to learning, with the Kenya Institute of Education (KIE) transitioning from paper-based to digital curricula. ICT encompasses a wide range of communication devices and applications, from radio and television to computers and network systems, enabling services like video conferencing and distance learning.