CURRICULUM AND CURRICULUM SUPPORT MATERIAL DEVELOPMENT: A CASE STUDY OF KENYA INSTITUTE OF EDUCATION A PRESENTATION MADE AT AKE WORKSHOP IN ACCRA, GHANA, 8-10 JULY 2009 PRESENTED BY MR. JOHN KIMOTHO KENYA INSTITUTE OF EDUCATION KENYA

Introduction Kenya Institute of Education is a National centre for curriculum development and research The Institute develops curriculum and curriculum support materials for the Kenyan Educational system with the exception of the Universities Materials developed include print, audio/visual, online/e-learning material The Institute also does consultancies on curriculum development and development of educational materials for other clientele.

INTRODUCTION CONT. Kenya Institute of Education (KIE) has recognized the importance of technology in the course of development of curriculum and educational resources In recognition of the importance of technology, the Institute has set up an e-learning section. This section is responsible for delivering e-content to all its clientele – who are the stakeholders in education and any other sector

CURR. DEVELOPMENT CYCLE

CURR. SUPPORT RESOURCES The Institute has developed various educational resources which include: Electronic materials which include Radio programmes Video programmes E-content Print materials which include Posters Text books Brochures Fliers Banners

ELECTRONIC RESOURCES Radio programs These are broadcasted through the Kenyan National Channel KBC. They include programs for learners at primary, secondary and out of school. Orientation programs for teachers at all levels are also broad casted. Television programs These mainly include adaptations from set books, subject content in specific areas and documentaries. These are mainly packaged in DVDs for dissemination.

CURR. S. RESOURCES CONT… E-Learning E-learning section develops digital content which include; Interactive content for secondary schools in various subjects. These are packaged in CDs/DVDs for dissemination Video and interactive multi-media lessons in Mathematics and Science for Primary Schools. Online curriculum orientation programs for teachers at all levels

DEVELOPMENT PROCESS Educational resources are developed through the following process; Pre-production Production Post production

PRE-PRODUCTION These process involves Planning which includes Identifying the target audience and their requirements and articulating learning objectives. Identification of the necessary resources which include financial, human resource and equipment

PRODUCTION This involves; Identification of content Development of storyboards Collection of data Compilation and authoring Editing, pilot testing and revision Production and packaging

POST PRODUCTION This includes; Reviewing and updating the products after dissemination and implementation

CURRENT STATUS AND ACHIEVEMENTS Currently the Institute is using three approaches in developing and delivery of e-content. These approaches are; KIE platform through which the e-learning section has developed content in eleven Form one subjects for secondary school level. Tafakari project which has developed e-content for PTE. Teacher trainees and teacher educators learn in science and mathematics on methodologies of teaching. KIE Elimika LMS is used in development and delivery of on-line courses targeting internal and external leaners incuding teacher orientation on curriculum.

KIE E- LEARNING CHALLENGES Despite these milestones, KIE is facing various challenges. These include: Inadequate skills in the personnel. Inadequate equipment e.g. digital cameras, scanner, sound cards, other required soft ware, Shortage of multi-media specialists budget constraint The internet connectivity Cost of commercial software

CHALLENGES CONT… The internet connectivity due to insufficient bandwidth Inadequate infrastructure in most of Kenya’s learning institutions hampers the effective implementation of e-learning Inadequate computer literacy skills among the users of the e-content developed by KIE also slow the implementation process. Negative attitude and reluctance to adopt change in technological advancement also hinders implantation.

INTERVENTIONS The following interventions have been put in place to help resolve the challenges at the Institute: Capacity building to improve specific staff skills in digital content development is still being undertaken. Establishment of a digital studio with the required equipment necessary for digital content development is under development.

INTERVENTIONS CONT… Collaborations with other multi-media specialists so as to sustain dynamic diversity of the multi- media industry is on going. A budget to manage the e-content development and implementation process has been set aside. The bandwidth to increase the speed of accessing internet information has been set up. The Institute embraces the use of Free Open Source Software (FOSS), through the Elimika project, to cut down on costs.

ANTICIPATED OUTCOMES It is expected that with the digital content produced, packaged and disseminated to schools, both the teacher and the learner will have additional resources to support teaching and learning. The following are the anticipated outcomes: Teaching/learning resources will be expanded. The packages will offer additional teaching methods. The materials will introduce problem based learning to the learners. E-learning will make learning more captivating. The packages will make concentration span higher.

ANTICIPATED OUTCOMES CONT… The packages will also support individualized learning. It will also increase accessibility of education especially to those who cannot make it to normal schools due to various reasons. They will also offer a solution to specific problems especially in sciences for most schools who might not afford a science laboratory and special subject specific equipment. The packages will enable out-of-school learners to engage in learning hence access and equity.

THANK YOU ASANTE SANA