COVID -19: Ugandans asked to embrace new technology in education

Ugandans have been advised to adopt technological advancement in education, to help them cope with COVID-19 pandemic.

According to Professor Joseph Oonyu, a researcher at the College of Education and External Studies Makerere university, it is time for Uganda to transform from the 20th century technology to the advanced one to suite the current situation.

 "Technology including digital literacy is certainly going to change the way educational institutions are operating," he said.

He added that COVID-19 presents challenges and opportunities which is why there is need to reform the education system to manage through the post COVID-19 era.

Oonyu advocates for teachers to be trained in Information Communication Technology (ICT) to enable them cope with the ‘New normal'.  

The professor was speaking during a virtual national dialogue on re-opening of schools in Uganda, under the theme; "Opportunities and Options for Learning under Covid-19 Pandemic and Implications for the Future of Education" at hotel Africana Kampala.

The event was organized by Education Advocacy with A Difference (EAWAD), a civil society lead evidence-based platform, seeking to amplify national wide education advocacy campaigns.

 "There is need for collective efforts of parents, learners, teachers and government as the country prepares to reopen schools," Oonyu said adding that preparations cannot be left for the government alone. 

He further observed that teacher distribution is a challenge. Many young teachers prefer working in Kampala schools because of the improved standards of living.

He appealed to Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) which regulates the telecomm companies, to subsidize the costs of internet to allow learners and teachers benefit from the system. 

On the other hand, Dr Kedrace Turyagyenda, the Director of Education Standards, said that as the country is waiting for the reopening of schools, the inspection officers have already embarked at the dissemination of the Standard Operating Procedures and observing needs of several schools regarding the set measures.

 Turyagyenda added that the inspection team is also advising schools on how they should teach candidates as well as timetable drafting among other aspects.