Education ministry unveils model ICT classroom

The class has a Windows-based solution that uses a single host computer to power multiple simultaneous and independent user stations, writes FREDRICK OBURA

The Government is betting on technology to improve education services in the country.

In a fresh public-private partnership, the Government has established a new dynamic centre that will demonstrate modern best practices in curriculum delivery using technology.

The partnership, involving Kenya Institute of Education (KIE), Microsoft and LG Corporation, unveiled School Technology Innovation Centre — a model classroom that applies technology in teaching and learning.

The Centre, launched last week by Education Minister Mutula Kilonzo, has a Windows-based solution that uses a single host computer to power multiple simultaneous and independent user stations in the country’s education system.

LG, a partner in the initiative will avail its cutting-edge U-Series network monitors technology. The technology involves the use of a single PC (server) to support over 20 monitors performing multiple tasks and connected via USB.

The U-Series is based on the principle that at any one time, no one person can utilise the full capacity of one computer. This allows multiple users to tap into the same computer as long as they have a separate monitor and keyboard.

Julie Clugage, Global Operations Manager for Intel’s Education Market Platforms said the Centre is part of the Accelerating 21st Century Education (ACE) project launched two years ago in collaboration with the Ministry of Education.

“The project aims at improving quality of primary and secondary education through the effective use of technology,” Ms Clugage said.

“ACE project has deployed Intel classmate Personal Computers, laptops, wireless infrastructure, educational content and teacher training to 23 schools in Kenya in the last month,” she said, adding that the centre will be dedicated to research on innovative emerging technology solutions.

According to Clugage, the Centre will also serve as a repository and showcase for best-known methods of teaching, learning and educational technology.
“To encourage the sharing of knowledge related to tested best uses of technology in education, all of the key practices and methods learned from ACE will be captured in the School Innovation Technology Innovation Centre that we have jointly committed to establish,” she said.

The Centre will serve as a hub where educational leaders and teachers from the region can access the latest information on technology solutions that are proven to enhance innovative teaching and learning.
“It will improve skills needed by students in the current century,” she told Tech.Insight.

Regional Educational Manager, Microsoft East and Southern Africa, Dr Mark Matunga says the partnership is expected to extend the possibilities of cutting costs for educational institutions that have transferred the bulk of their IT activities to the cloud.

Tools and technology
The Centre is a system that has a low total cost of ownership, it is easy to set up and use, and gives educators the tools and technology they need to prepare their students for success.

“In today’s increasingly digital and connected world, knowing how to work with a computer is no longer a nice skill to have, but a requirement in almost any job,” adds Dr Matunga.

“But between hardware and software costs, little to no IT budgets, and high energy prices, giving each student a computer to use is not always feasible for schools. Shared-resource computing as demonstrated in today’s launch offers a way to address these challenges.”

Kenya Institute of Education Director Ms Lydia Nzomo said the partnership will help the education sector transform the delivery practice and optimise learning for the students.

“The challenge remains to keep pace with global changes that have the potential to affect the way students learn, and to refresh classroom practices and resources to meet the needs of students today,” said Ms Nzomo.

Geoffrey Amollo of LG Electronics said the initiative will help schools to save cost of purchasing computers by at least 60 per cent.

“Using virtual desktops mean that there is no longer a need for CPU and hard drive resources to be locally present to carry out the work,” Amollo said.