Introduction
With the implementation of the Competency Based Education (CBE) in Kenya, the Kenyan education sector is revolutionizing pretty fast. According to the new curriculum that is likely to enter its final implementation stage in three years to come demands teachers to move away from the traditional method of writing and talking to learners to embrace digital tools in passing knowledge and skills to learners.
Even in schools with a few resources, once they embrace these digital tools, teaching is made easier by improving teacher-learner engagement where learners find personalized instructions.
in this article, we will guide Kenyan teachers on the available digital tools that teachers can embrace immediately to make teaching and learning in schools easier and enjoyable.
What are the digital tools teachers can use in Teaching and Learning?
1. Lesson Planning and AI Tools
Many Kenyan teachers are made to write lesson plans daily something that can be so tiresome if you are dealing with a larger-sized classroom.
Due to this pressure, AI tools have been designed in such a way that they can generate lesson plans for teachers on a daily basis, generate questions and learner activities within seconds.
Some of the available and recommended tools for teachers include:
- Magic School AI– Teachers can use this AI tool in differentiation and learner support.
- Khan Academy (Khanmigo AI)– This can help a Kenyan teacher in generating lesson ideas and explanations.
- EduAide AI– You can use this tool to create assignments and worksheets instantly for your learners.
Since many teachers in Kenya complain of huge workloads in schools, these tools are important since they will save them which will be turned into proving lesson quality which in turn improve productivity.
2. Learning Management Systems (LMS)
Learning Management Systems are online platforms that allows teachers to organize lessons, communicate with learners and issue assignments to learners digitally even when learners are on holiday.
Some of the Popular and official platforms under LMS include:
- Google Classroom – this is widely accessible and easy to use.
- Microsoft Teams for Education – this is perfectly used when holding virtual Classes.
- Moodle (Kenya Education Cloud)- This supports structured digital learning.
As stated earlier LMS platforms are best in managing assignments, tracking Student progress and supporting remote learning.
3. Assessment and Feedback Tools
Since the new curriculum puts more emphasis on continuous assessments, this tools will make evaluation easier and faster.
The available tools that we can use in completing such tasks include:
- Google Forms which can help a teacher create questions and mark them automatically.
- Kurasa (Kenyan platform)– this can help a teacher to track CBE assessments.
- Answer Garden/Poll Everywhere – this can help teachers to get students feedback instantly.
The above platforms are important since they save a teacher time for marking and providing feedback for learners therefore improving learner engagement.
4. Content Creation Tools
These tools helps teachers to create visually appealing content which improves memory and content retention.
Some of the approved tools include:
- Canva for Education – This helps teachers create posters, slides and notes.
- YouTube– Here teachers can access educational videos that can be used in teaching and learning.
- Google slides/PowerPoint – here teachers make presentations using PowerPoint which are visually appealing.
The above tools make teaching and learning interactive as they support different learning styles.
5. Communication and collaboration Tools
Sometimes when learners go for holiday or weekend, teachers lose touch with them. These tools can help teachers and learners to stay connected even when they are far apart/away from school.
Some oc the commonly used tools include:
- Telegram which is preferred when dealing with large groups of learners.
- WhatsApp where teachers can share notes and assignments with ease.
- Google Docs– these enables the teacher to organize students in groups for group work.
6. Mobile Learning Tools
Teachers can use mobile phones to facilitate teaching and learning since majority of parents and some learners have smartphones at home.
Some of the mobile Learning Tools include:
- Somanasi (Kytabu) – which contains digital textbooks.
- M-Shule– this is use in low internet areas where learners can learn using SMS.
The above tools are crucial since they can be used in places with low internet especially in remote areas. They also encourage individualized learning where learners learn at their own pace.
7. School Management tools
These tools are important in streamlining school operations. Some of these tools include:
- Digital Attendance Systems
- Report Card Generators
- School Management Software
These tools are important as they improve efficiency and reduce administrative burden.
Essential Hardware for Digital Learning with Digital Tools For Teachers in Kenya
For the above digital tools to be effective, they need some basic devices in order for them to function well. Some of these key devices include:
- Laptops and tablets
- Smartphones
- Projectors
- Radios and TVs
What are the Challenges Facing Kenyan Teachers in Using Digital Tools?
As much as these digital tools have more benefits, it should be noted that they may have several shortcomings which include:
- Some areas have limited to no access to internet which hinders the functionality of these tools.
- Some schools may have inadequate digital devices to support these tools.
- Inadequate ICT training for teachers on how to use these tools.
- Some schools may resist the implementation of new technologies in their schools.
What should Teachers do To Successfully Integrate Digital Tools For Teachers in Kenya in Teaching and Learning?
In order to successfully integrate these digital tools, teachers need to:
- Start by using simple tools like google classroom and WhatsApp.
- Use offline tools as much as you can
- Attend ICT trainings to learn how to use these tools.
- Introduce these tools gradually.
- Focus on improving learning outcomes.
Conclusion
The tools discussed in here have made teaching and learning in schools easier, efficient, interactive and learner centred. For those teachers who want to disseminate knowledge to learners under the current curriculum, need to adopt these tools since the curriculum demands integration of ICT tools in Teaching and learning. By using these tools, teachers will equip learners with knowledge and skills required in the 21st century.
Digital Tools For Teachers in Kenya
