Kenyatta University (KU) has unveiled short courses for teachers on KICD-approved coding curriculum in partnership with Education Technologies firm Kodris Africa to enhance the teaching of coding and computational thinking in primary and secondary schools.
According to Kenyatta University Vice-Chancellor Prof Paul Wainaina, the short courses will focus on providing teachers with a solid understanding of the fundamental concepts of coding as well as the tools and techniques needed to teach it effectively in the classroom.
“As a key stakeholder in the Education sector in this country, we took notice of last year’s approval of curriculum support material on coding by the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development,” Wainaina said.
“To supplement this historic move, we are therefore taking our responsibility and position to ensure that our teachers are equipped with the latest knowledge and skills to deliver their mandate effectively,” he added.
The VC stated that the short course will cover topics such as curriculum development, assessment and evaluation, and classroom management and will be managed by three faculty members.
The team leader will be Dr. Francis Kiarie of the Department of Management Science, supported by Dr. Olivia Opere of the Department of Educational Foundations and Dr. Maina Muuro of the Department of Computing and Information Technology.
“Our commitment to enhancing computer programming and digital skills in school is borne out of our understanding that these skills are highly sought-after today and will greatly contribute to Kenya’s participation in the global digital economy,” said the VC.
“Overall, learning how to code can help Kenyan primary and secondary school students to be more successful in school and in their future careers. The initiative we are announcing today is, therefore, part of Kenyatta University’s long-standing commitment to providing top-quality education and training to educators in the country as part of our contribution to the continuous enhancement of our nation’s human resource capacity,” he added.
According to Kodris Africa CEO Mugumo Munene, coding lessons will impact learners with the 21-st century skills.
“We are excited about this historic milestone in the area of digital literacy and the impactful value-add it will have on teachers who daily impart knowledge to young minds. We have been keenly aware that the delivery of coding and computational thinking lessons in schools in Kenya requires a multi-stakeholder approach. We are honoured that Kenyatta University is on board to and ready to prepare teachers to deliver these lessons which will in turn create a great impact as learners acquire 21st-century skills,” said Munene.
The chair of KICD Prof. Elishiba Kimani said the partnership will a long way enhance the digital revolution and equip teachers with the requisite skills to meet the needs of preparing pupils in both primary and secondary schools with coding skills.
