Robotics: New technology set to replace teachers

Pupils demonstrate how the solar system works during the opening of Dschool World of Learning Education park at Ejinja, Kakamega, on Sunday. [Benjamin Sakwa, Standard]

A new teaching method that replaces the teacher with modern technology has been launched in Western Kenya.

In the new model, students from grade one to 12 simply log into the system and start learning with the help of robotics.  

After the lesson, the system automatically grades the learner’s progress and notifies the teacher of the learning progress.

The model does not require the physical presence of a teacher.

Speaking during the launch of the programme yesterday at Dschool Park in Kakamega town, the director at Dschool World of Learning Wycliffe Kibisu said the new teaching and learning method would boost performance in mathematics, English, science and critical thinking.

“The model was borrowed from Singapore and China, who started using the curriculum 20 years ago. This is the reason the two countries are technologically advanced,” he said.

“Students are not only mentored in subjects but also introduced to a world of astronomy and space science. This model is similar to the Competence Based Curriculum that is being introduced by the government. The only difference is that it uses advanced technology,” he said.

Supporting schools

Dschool World of Learning is supporting public and private schools to adopt the system as a way of encouraging students to develop interest in science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics.

The system has been piloted in Kakamega Primary School and Westlands Primary School in Nairobi County.

According to Catherine Lumasia, the manager at Dschool World of Learning, the new model makes learning easier and cheaper, with e-learning materials going for as little as Sh50.

So far, the model is popular in private and international schools.

“All pupils who have completed Standard Eight under the model can compete favourably with those in China and Singapore, who use the same model of learning,” said Ms Lumasia.

She said the model would become easier to use in public primary schools after the Government distributes laptops to pupils and equips computer laboratories.