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In post-pandemic Nigeria, there is a growing acceptance of technology in education among Nigerians. Schools, parents, and the government are gradually embracing the new normal in the sector. In response to this, Edtech in Nigeria has become an industry. Edtech companies are rising to the occasion to improve teaching and learning. Edtech is not just the use of digital tools and gadgets to learn. It is a revolutionary technology that enhances the efficiency of educators. It also ensures that learners find learning to be engaging and fun.
Why EdTech in Classrooms?
The strongest argument for Edtech is that it breaks down the barrier to education. Thus, educational technology in Nigeria is making learning more accessible to all. It has increased access to digital learning resources. Students now have unlimited access to materials only a few clicks away. The concept of personalized learning is foreign to the traditional classroom setting. The teacher struggles to address students’ unique needs in a crowded classroom. A fixed curriculum also leaves little or no room for an education tailored to the individual needs of each student. Hence, adopting technology helps to create personalized learning paths for each student.The Challenges Stalling EdTech Adoption
Technology is not gbogbonise nor a cure-all. It does not solve all the issues plaguing the Nigerian school system. It still needs a system in place to function. It is only as good as the people adopting it in these schools. Hence, it needs educators and a working system to get the best result out of it.Sign up for the Connect Nigeria daily newsletter
Digital literacy is a vital skill for adopting Edtech solutions in Nigerian classrooms. However, a more significant percentage of educators lack digital literacy. The Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) reported that 60% of primary school teachers do not possess the digital literacy to participate in e-learning activities. The lack of digital literacy presents serious issues for integrating technology into the classroom. To improve technology adoption in Nigerian classrooms, the right step will be empowering these educators. Professional development programmes will equip them with the skill. Nigeria still has an infrastructural problem that has generally impacted the wide adoption of technology in many quarters. Poor infrastructure and limited internet connectivity are some of the difficulties these Edtech solutions face. For instance, school management software in Nigeria cannot function effectively in regions with poor internet service. Access to stable internet is necessary for smooth data transmission and real-time updates. It becomes difficult for educators to carry on tasks such as instant communication with parents, tracking attendance, and conducting online exams. While Edtech companies can leverage other offline measures to reduce the heavy reliance on internet connectivity, it still needs strong internet connectivity to safeguard important data that needs cloud storage. Otherwise, learning institutions will lose access to vital data when there is a glitch. There is the general belief that technology in the classroom is expensive and increases a school’s running. However, this belief does not factor in the efficiency and cost-saving attributes of these Edtech solutions.
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The Way Forward for Edtech in Nigerian Classrooms
The future looks promising for Edtech in Nigeria. With the advancement in artificial intelligence and virtual reality, we expect improved learning experiences. Students can get a more personalized learning experience and real-time feedback. Schools and other institutions of learning can also expect virtual reality for immersive field trips. There is so much that we can do with technology in our classrooms. However, that can only be evident by giving the Edtech industry continued investment and support. Educational technology in Nigeria is democratizing learning and shattering barriers. It is also empowering students and educators alike. We only need to tap into the immense benefits of scaling its adoption in our classrooms.Got a suggestion? Contact us: editor@connectnigeria.com