The Covid-19 pandemic made online learning and virtual classrooms become increasingly popular, proving to many educational institutions, parents, and even students how much technology can enhance the learning process.
Although edtech, that is education technology, is nothing new. The concept has fast become a buzzword, as various schools and educators latch on to e-learning platforms to help students have a more comprehensive learning process.
Despite technological challenges faced different ideas and digital platforms have popped up to help bridge the education gap and are changing the narrative in the edtech space.
In my recent chat with Rebecca Stromeyer, Founder of eLearning Africa, on the Tech Trends show, she throws more light on how Africa can leverage e-learning to strengthen its education system.
CFA: Rebecca, glad to have you on the show today.
Rebecca: Thank you very much for having me.
CFA: How important is e-learning in today’s world?
Rebecca: Well, I think, in today’s world post-pandemic. During this pandemic e-learning has become extremely important, providing access to education even if schools and universities are closed.
It has become hugely relevant globally, not just in Africa because people have to continue their education. And the only way to do this is through some form of remote learning. Even if it’s TV or radio or other methods.
CFA: From its early days to the pre and post-pandemic period, how have Africans accepted the reality of e-learning?
Rebecca: I think that before now people were excited about it. But of course, you have to remember one thing that it all boils down to access to the internet. If you don’t have an infrastructure or access to quality and affordable internet, then you can think it’s all wonderful, but you’re going to have a problem.
Underlying all that is access to power. If that is there I think that e-learning has huge opportunities. Students have access to the information that they need, access to quality teachers. Teachers too can teach in a different way. They’re equipped with interesting and fun tools that appeal to young people and the way they think.
Although there very many advantages, I would never say that it can replace a great teacher who loves the students in a classroom.
CFA: To expand a bit on the challenges, I mean, what are some of the challenges that you think will affect the adoption of e-learning?
Rebecca: Well, the first one I mentioned just now is infrastructure. When the pandemic started last year, we did a survey of the pan-African community asking them questions.
You may watch the full interview here.
