Transforming learning through harnessing technology for increased access to equitable digital literacy opportunities in three counties in Kenya.

• In Event: Digital technologies in ECD

Proposal

Key words:
Digital literacy, early learning, foundational literacy and numeracy, learning outcomes, quality education, equitable access, ICT, digital technologies, Online Child Sexual Exploitation and Abuse.

There has been significant progress in the adoption of digital literacy in Kenya in recent years, driven by government initiatives, private sector investments, and civil society organizations. Noteworthy strides have been made in embracing digital technologies to enhance learning outcomes and provide access to quality education for all. The uptake of ICT in education is seen as diversifying the learning environment and enhancing acquisition of foundational literacy and numeracy in early learning by enriching the learners’ experiences and enabling teachers to adopt pedagogical practices that accelerate learning. However, what has been done is not adequate, and there are disparities across regions in terms of resources and connectivity. Inadequate infrastructure, such as unreliable power supply and lack of hardware installations, hinders the effective implementation of digital literacy programs in most regions. As such, schools in marginalized and resource poor communities in rural and urban settings are yet to fully adopt ICT in learning.

ChildFund Kenya in collaboration with ChildFund Korea and working closely with the national government and the county governments of Nairobi, Muranga and Kiambu, is implementing the Elimu KiDijiTali project to enhance digital literacy skills among children and educators. The project has three key outcomes namely (i) school communities have improved digital learning, (ii) learners have increased access to quality digital learning education services, and (iii) improved legal and policy environments in favor of digital learning. The project purposes to contribute to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 4 which aims to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all through reduction of disparities and inequities in access to quality education through leveraging digital tools and resources to revolutionize education delivery. The project focuses on providing access to digital devices, training teachers on integrating technology into teaching practices, empowering students with digital skills for future success, and training parents and other primary caregivers, the learners and teachers on prevention of Online Child Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (OCSEA) provision of digital content and learner digital devices.

This presentation therefore will share the successes and implementation experiences of the Elimu KiDigitali project, the lessons learned and provide key recommendations. Additionally, it will share the learners and educators’ experiences and expectations in using digital devices and technologies to support learning.

Author

• Damaris Wambua, ChildFund