21ST CENTURY eLEARNING By  TOPIC: eLEARNING TRANSFORMING EMPLOYERBILITY Presented during the 2nd eLearning and Innovations Conference (28th – 31st July 2014)   By John Kimotho Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development

PRESENTATION 1. Education and Industry 2. Gap 3. KICD developed content 4. Attributes of elearning that transform employability 5. Q&A

Why do people get educated? Why do people get trained? EDUCATION & INDUSTRY Why do people get educated? Why do people get trained? Universality; employee, self, employer The global village Global competitiveness Anytime, Anywhere – BPOs?

Develops Competencies Ability to acquire skills CURRICULUM Develops Competencies Ability to acquire skills Responds to National goals of Education Prepare the citizens to contribute in nation building, to society well being …. Builds on talents Provides human resource suitable for industry.

Educating for digital era? Training for Knowledge Society? CURRENT SITUATION Educating for digital era? Training for Knowledge Society? Primary level Who is handling this? Secondary Computer studies optional subject Teacher Training Curriculum includes ICT as integrated content Kenya’s national broadband strategy

There is need for IT skills in every field. SKILLS GAP There is need for IT skills in every field. Software developers are seriously lacking. Graduates lack skills in IT as demanded in the market. Solution providers/managers. By 2013, 9,600 skilled IT HR was needed to fill the Kenyan workforce 70% Growth in Software Developers needed 57% Growth in other ICT domains needed Pressure in training and need for a coordinated approach in standards.

Skills needed:- the actual challenge: Innovative Thinking WHAT IS LACKING? Skills needed:- the actual challenge: Innovative Thinking Problem Solving Project Management-Efficient Result Based Others: Business Entrepreneurship and Continuous Learning

This will prepare the Human Resource for Knowledge Society Industry 93% of companies and organizations accept that the IT skills gap hinders technology optimization to enhance their competitive edge Kenya has turned to competence base curricular to meet the demands of Vision 2030. This will prepare the Human Resource for Knowledge Society

KICD – A PRE-AMBLE The Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD) is a state corporation established under an Act of parliament no. 4 of 2013. The Institute is mandated to develop curriculum and curriculum support materials among other functions. KICD is the regional centre of excellence in curriculum and curriculum support development. KICD has developed interactive digital content for primary and secondary schools, Primary Teachers colleges and runs a National Educational Digital TV channel, schools radio broadcast and Online Teacher Orientation Course. Local content and own learner friendly LMS.

Schools Radio Broadcast Using radio in teaching and learning Schools Radio Broadcast KICD produces educational radio lessons (IRI) for the following levels : Primary Secondary In-service for practicing teachers General public during school holidays This broadcast has national coverage. Most teachers and learners now own mobile phones and Kenya with almost 20 million mobile subscribers can now be reached thus saving time, energy and resources and opening up new frontier in the knowledge society.

KICD STUDIOS TV programs are packaged KICD run a National Educational Digital TV Channel known as EDU Channel 24/7. It airs programs on curriculum, documentaries and entertainment such as National drama, musical and students congress on science and technology.

INTERACTIVE DIGITAL CONTENT FOR SECONDARY LEVEL The Institute has developed interactive digital content in the following twelve (12) subjects in Form 1-4: 1.Mathematics 7.Agriculture, 2.English 8.Home science 3.Kiswahili 9.Computer Studies 4.Chemistry 10.Business Studies 5.Physics 11.Geograhy 6.Biology 12.History and Government

PRIMARY SCHOOL CONTENT TAFAKARI The primary school subject digitized are Mathematics and Science for std 3 to 8. Content developed is in video format, interactive multimedia lessons and print notes. This project was carried out with local and international collaboration and benchmarking. The content has been disseminated to all the 19 PTTCs, KISE and KESI.

PRIMARY SCHOOL CONTENT Interactive digital content for lower primary has also be developed in 5 subjects. This include Mathematics, Science, English, Kiswahili and Social studies. In addition two modules have been developed for learners and teacher to assist in basic ICT skills and ICT integration in preparation of the Government laptop project

PILOTING OF CLASS ONE DIGITAL CONTENT

ELIMIKA This a LMS supported by a community of experts. The following are the key features: Developing, hosting and managing online courses Educational chat rooms Dedicated online tutors Online assessments Teacher orientation on curriculum implementation

Success of curriculum digitization in Kenya The interactive digital content is developed by Kenyans and this makes it appeal to learners as they can associate with the content. The multimedia elements are sourced from the local environment such as photos and videos. It has lead to capacity building of our own e-learning staff, multimedia developers and teachers. This has lead to skills development which is necessary in the knowledge economy. It has also lead to curriculum developers capacity build for other countries within the continent.

Elearning transforming employability The interactive nature of elearning programmes develops creativity among learners. Creativity is one of the 21st century skills. Elearning nurtures innovation. Learners become innovative giving employer the needed competitive edge. Elearning exposes learners to the same quality of teaching and learning materials globally leading to global relevance. Creates shared thinking and strengthens communities of practice.

Through elearning, collaborations and networking is highly emphasized. Why e-learning? Elearning sharpens problem solving skills. Job hunting becomes head hunting. Through elearning, collaborations and networking is highly emphasized. Networking skills acquired by learners through elearning supports job seeking and competitive performance.

Employability in Digital Era Creative mind Innovative worker Life long learner Relevant in Knowledge society High degree of media literacy; Media Prosumers eLearning develops employable citizens; holistic, flexible and reasonably aggressive

INCREASING JOBS/Engagements Hardware (OEMs and vendors) Maintenance: youth …. Power installations and management Interactive Content LMS developers Animators, video, audio Illustrators Exercises/Games developers Content evaluators/regulators Where do you fit?

THANK YOU