At least 1500 teachers in Bulawayo are set to undergo digital literacy and online collaboration skills training as part of efforts to equip them with digital tools for teaching.
The program is conducted by the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Trust in partnership with Byo Tech Hub and the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education.
The training has already commenced with 15 teachers drawn from 15 schools from the five education districts already undergoing the intense training designed to equip them with the relevant digital literacy skills to support online and blended learning models for students.
In an interview with CITE, Girls in STEM Trust executive director Victoria Ngono said the program is the first to be rolled out in Bulawayo.
“The program is the first to be rolled out in Bulawayo Province for educators to equip them with the skills necessary to promote online learning and blended learning models to ensure that learners continue with their learning without disruptions,” said Ngono.
She said Byo Tech Hub partnered in the project to ensure that the capacity building of teachers is ongoing for the benefit of the Bulawayo education community.
Ngono added that the aim of the program is to ensure that learning continues despite the Covid-19 pandemic.
“In light of Covid-19, it will assist educators with digital and online collaboration skills to support the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education’s driver for blended learning as well as e-learning for learners. This will ensure that teaching is ongoing despite lockdowns,” she said.
Ngono said the program will also be extended to teachers in rural communities. “Yes absolutely, with the rollout in metropolitan areas, we will be expanding our reach to the educators in the rural areas. We understand the limitations surrounding connectivity and technical resources, but this in no way means that educators should not receive digital literacy skills training,” she said.
