Globally, education technology, also called EduTech or EdTech, is growing rapidly, especially in more advanced countries, where the required infrastructures are already in place. Be that as it may, a number of African countries such as Rwanda, South Africa and Kenya, are keen on ensuring that EdTech grows at a much faster pace.
It must be acknowledged that in Nigeria, a handful of privately-owned school administrators are now adopting technology in classrooms, in order to beef-up the learning process, while helping students improve academically. Unlike the traditional method of using notebooks, writing on slates or boards, the students in the EdTech era come to classes with their laptops or tablets connected to the Internet.
In some parts of the world, authorities provide students with the required devices at no extra cost, while it could also be at the expense of the students. Through these devices, students are given assignments, class projects or research topics, which make it imperative for them to have access to devices, while instructors, on the other hand, use projectors or smart boards to communicate with the students during classes.
Education technology is basically a learning process through which the Internet serves as the bedrock. And not just any Internet, I am referring to high-speed broadband. EdTech in Nigeria is advancing at a very slow pace. This does not mean I do not acknowledge the efforts of a number of start-ups such as Bola Lawal, ScholarX.co; Gossy Ukanwoke, Beni American University; Wale Ogunjobi, Primal Tutor; Nkem Begho, Future Software, and a few others, that are working hard to ensure EdTech takes root in Nigeria. In my candid opinion, they should not only be applauded but also supported, especially by policy makers and school authorities.
The factors affecting education technology in Nigeria are quite enormous, considering the fact that the level of technological advancement is still relatively low. Some of the biggest barriers to the adoption include:
High cost of technology
Obviously, this is one of the major factors adversely affecting education technology in Nigeria. Technology is not cheap! Adopting modern technologies is capital intensive and sadly, all major software and hardware products have to be imported.
The Nigerian government needs to start allocating a large percentage of its budget to EdTech, to propel its adoption in the country.
Although some private institutions have managed to adopt education technology in the country, they have, however, resorted to the policy of BYOD, (Bring Your Own Device), which is a welcome development. However, what about students in — Finish Reading on the Punch Website
