Digital technology is fast revolutionising the education system. Today, there are different digital learning tools and applications transforming the learning process from an academic exercise to an engaging and gratifying experience.
As countries, states, and communities within sub-Saharan Africa double efforts to improve access to basic education, the quality of education also remains a major concern.
However, digitising and enhancing better access to technology could be a game changer for development and closing the education inequality gap in Africa.
In a bid to promote digital learning and provide an immersive experience via tech solutions to teachers, students, and parents, Co-Creation Hub (CCHub), through its education practice arm, re: learn, launched the Edtech Festival. The initiative which started in 2021 gathers together students, educators, edtech entrepreneurs, investors, and private individuals interested in improving access to quality education through technology.
The festival provides an opportunity for tech startups (edtech) to showcase their innovative solutions for the education sector, share their knowledge, interact, and glean key insights from the attendees.
Speaking on this year’s event held recently at the hub in Yaba, Lagos State, Programs Associate, Abigael Anaza-mark, said the Edtech festival seeks to ensure that parents and teachers are well acquainted with the latest trends in education technology solutions.
Speaking on behalf of the education practice lead at CcHub, Chinyelu Akpa; Anaza-mark said the platform engages stakeholders in thought-provoking discussion that fosters creativity and collaboration about the future of learning.
“The Nigerian education sector has seen the impact of technology. Today, digital tools are being used in the classroom. Parents are also starting to learn digital literacy to support their children.
“In the midst of all these, there is a need to create more awareness about technology and digital solutions that can be introduced or adopted to improve learning outcomes as well as the emerging trends to look out for in this space,” she said.
Part of the highlight of the event include the different masterclasses where educators, parents, and edtech entrepreneurs, discussed salient topics such as the impact of emerging trends on education, digital literacy, and safety, the science of language, etc.
No less than 15 entrepreneurs participated in the event.
Solutions displayed include learning management systems, online course platforms, tutoring and test prep, gamification, workforce management, and language learning, amongst others.
Many of the tech entrepreneurs who participated in the exhibition commended CCHub for the initiative. They also expressed optimism on how such an initiative will help revamp education in Nigeria.
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During an interview with one of the edtech entrepreneurs, Sussan Benjamin of Schoolinka, a teacher-based edtech platform said the CCHUB Edtech Festival was an effective platform to engage teachers and glean insights about their concerns.
“Many teachers often found it difficult to pursue opportunities for career progression partly because they lacked skills and know-how,” Sussan noted.
But through such events, they can engage with service providers like Schoolinka to learn about the various growth opportunities existent in the education space.
While engaging attendees on their solution, another organisation, EduTams spoke on the impact of the CCHub Edtech Festival in strengthening the digital experience for school management, educator, parents, and students. According to the company representative, Isiaka Akindehin, digital solutions make education management relatively easy, and performance measurable.
While commenting on the cost concerns, Akindehin mentioned that there are different pricing models for different solutions accessible to the users.
Referencing his company’s product he said, “The goal is to make the solutions accessible to all and that is why we offer services for schools with as low as zero – 50 students.”
Entrepreneurs and educators jointly described the discussions and knowledge-sharing sessions as inspiring and thought-leading, paving the way for innovative collaborations.
Other edtech entrepreneurs at the event include Gradely, Stemcafe, Sabiteach, Kundakids, Schoola, and 9ijakids.
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