‘How to address e-learning deficiencies’

Educational technology encompasses e-learning, instructional technology, information and communication technology (ICT) in education. What is the benefit of e- learning in basic education?  E-learning is important in schools because it caters to the needs of modern-day learners. The FCT education secretariat directed all schools to imbibe the ICT culture because technology has the power to […]

Educational technology encompasses e-learning, instructional technology, information and communication technology (ICT) in education. What is the benefit of e- learning in basic education? 

E-learning is important in schools because it caters to the needs of modern-day learners. The FCT education secretariat directed all schools to imbibe the ICT culture because technology has the power to transform education, so, we standardized contents and teaching methods.   We made our school a special centre for e- learning in line with the mandate given to us by the secretariat. 

The significance is that pupils will be able to compete favourably with their colleagues all over the world in terms of quality learning. We offer the highest quality learning to support every student to excel across the curriculum. 

The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) donated ICT equipments to us including computers and software programmes to enhance online learning. 

Are there special teaching techniques used in online learning? 

The procedure for teaching and learning is using the internet; the pupils use the internet to learn. We actually control the use of internet because if you don’t control it, you may get a counter productive result. 

Our teachers, who have received trainings from the FCT department of quality assurance, control the pupils in terms of how they use the internet. We use the internet to teach approved subjects by the government. We have devised a better way of controlling pupils’ internet usage. We started as e- learning school and cannot employ teachers unless they have computer and IT skills. We believe pupils can thrive well in digital classrooms and study in their own time. 

The challenges in delivering e- learning still persist. Why? 

This is because the teachers haven’t acquired computer skills and are not literate in IT. To deliver education and monitor learners’ performance, teachers must be aware about e- learning resources. Some school proprietors are not aware about online learning and the major problem is lack of manpower. 

However, many schools are exposing their teachers to the components of e- learning.  Computer literacy is as important for students as it is for teachers. 

You recently awarded scholarships to 300 displaced kids from the insurgency ravaged north-east region. Is it only on e-learning opportunities?    

Most Catholic schools like this run humanitarian outlets that offer help to the needy and the poor to save lives, alleviate suffering and maintain human dignity. The project had started and was launched by the wife of the president, Hajiya Aisha Buhari, on December 9, 2016. 

We have selected the best brains from the different IDP camps in Abuja and they are going to start schooling on January 9 in our school in Gwarinpa, called Hajiya Aisha Buhari Special School for IDPs and Vulnerable Children. Everything is in place; we have got volunteers who are going to teach in addition to our teachers and there are well-meaning individuals who will bring their expertise, books and other teaching materials to ensure that these displaced kids get better education and reintegrated into the society. 

They will be provided with the skills they need to become future leaders and for us, we believe that those you help will in turn help you in future. 

Mrs. Buhari had already sent food items, NEMA will send beddings soon and Parent Teacher Association (PTA) of the school is going to donate more food items. There are over 5,000 displaced kids in various camps in Abuja and Nasarawa and we hope to go there and establish schools after this project. 

The idea is that no displaced child in Abuja should be out-of-school. Our plan which was explained to the Presidential Committee on North- East Initiatives is that we have a three-year scholarship programme for JSS 1 and SSS 1 students. And by the time these students graduated after three years, those in SSS 3 would have sat for SSSCE, NECO and JAMB exams while those in JSS 3 had taken junior exams and they can pursue their future careers. 

As I explain to Mrs. Buhari when she donated food items, if there will be any other intervention for the children, it will be discussed but what I agree is on three-year scholarship programme.