HOW DIGITISATION TRANFORMS EDUCATION SECTOR

With the increasing availability of digital devices and internet connectivity, students and teachers are now able to access a wealth of educational resources and tools that were previously out of reach.

The government recognises the significance of digital technologies in improving education delivery, quality, teacher training and student capacities as well as preparedness for a changing world of work.

This has opened up new opportunities for learning and collaboration and is helping to bridge the gap between urban and rural areas.

Digital learning platforms have facilitated the availability of various subject materials online, making it easier for pupils to hone the skills of self-study after school hours and to seek learning materials at a convenient medium.

In 2017, Vodacom Tanzania Foundation activated its e-learning digital portal known as e-Fahamu to assist learners in the country with access to digital learning materials to complement classroom learning.

The e-Fahamu is available on the Vodacom network as a zero-rated web portal that is accessed via mobile phone or computer.

The Foundation has implemented this digital education programme in various schools across the country to improve learning outcomes through the use of digital tools, modernising learning and teaching and ensuring beneficiaries have access to a variety of resources to make learning easier and convenient.

Speaking after being connected to the e-Fahamu portal at Buhongwa Secondary School in the Mwanza Region, ICT Teacher Mr Paulo Getaro noted that this programme has simplified access to self-study materials for pupils.

“In the past, we only had one way of accessing study materials, which was through textbooks alone. The introduction of e-Fahamu has made it easier for our students to access the materials because all subjects are available in one place and are easily accessible. For example, students used to come asking for exercises from past exams for revision. It would take us a long time to search for them and sometimes we couldn’t find them. But now, we simply direct them to this website,” he said.

The introduction of the online educational portal at Buhongwa School has increased students’ enthusiasm for learning using digital tools.

They have been eager to understand how devices such as computers and the internet can facilitate their self-study. This enthusiasm has led many of them to attend in large numbers whenever they are informed that they will be learning using these modern tools.

It is worth mentioning, that the Foundation complements the provision of the e-Fahamu portal with the donation of computers, internet connectivity, and school furniture, as well as, working with like-minded organisations who serve as programme implementation partners, providing the A, B, and Cs of digital skills.

The ICT teacher concluded by expressing their expectations for the school and students after being equipped with eFahamu systems and training, saying, “We plan to establish a computer class that will include students from Form One and Form Two.

We believe that digital learning will catalyse as these students prepare to sit for national examinations making them goodwill ambassadors for their peers to use this program effectively,” he said.

He added, “As teachers, we will also use the e-Fahamu website portal and the materials provided by the Vodacom Tanzania Foundation to enhance our teaching. Because now it will be easier to find teaching materials and guide students on how to access them. Not only that, it will also make it easier for students to guide their peers.”

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