Using technology to promote safe and respectful teacher relationships in Sierra Leone

• In Event: Safeguarding the human element in technology-supported teacher professional development

Proposal

There are many ways that technology can enhance education and improve student learning outcomes, but without a foundation of kindness, trust and respect, no technology tool in the world will be able to transform theory into action. Strengthening teachers and school leaders means not only helping them develop their pedagogical competence but first and foremost supporting their ability to create kind, safe learning environments. EducAid will present how its codified its 30 years of learning about education in resource constrained contexts and specifically in Sierra Leone, into a ten-strategy approach to teaching and learning that teachers are finding tangible, accessible and transformative. Five of the strategies focus on building respectful, kind relationships and five focus on new pedagogical approaches. The presenter will share how EducAid has used digital and tech tools to support the popularisation and implementation of these strategies, the focus at every level depends on strengthening teachers and leaders.

EducAid is now bringing the ten strategies for teaching and learning to life through a number of cutting-edge tech solutions, ranging from AI tools such as Pi Inflections and a WhatsApp-based chatbot to video examples, flipbooks and digital tracking tools for school leaders and data managers. The presenter will share information an example of a successful FLN tablet-based programme implemented in 100+ schools that blends high and low technology solutions with critical human-focused professional development considerations.

Author

• Miriam Mason-Sesay, EducAid