Zimdailyjournal Reporter
The Education Coalition of Zimbabwe (ECOZI), in partnership with the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education is spearheading the enhancement of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in the education sector.
ECOZI is spearheading the initiative running under the Digitilise Schools to Transform Education in Zimbabwe (DigSTEinZ).
ECOZI Programmes manager Wadzanayi Chitiga said the stakeholders, with the support of Government, are finalising a framework in education.
She said schools are adopting various strategies, including using whiteboards and multiple teaching platforms to integrate ICT into learning.
“We are checking on the status of ICT in schools, and we are doing our pilot project, what is important is the whole of Government approach to make sure there is education for ICT.
“We have managed to carry out a pilot project assessing the status of ICT in schools.
“We learned that different strategies are being used to ensure that children can learn effectively and that teachers are empowered to deliver lessons using tools such as whiteboards and various edtech solutions,” she said.
She said, that parents also play a critical role in ensuring that ICT gadgets are available in schools.
Chitiga further stressed the importance of education around online safety, especially in light of the increased risk of online harassment.
“Let’s have each and every parent appreciate the importance of ICT.
“We call upon the citizens to the importance of online safety as these gadgets are being used.
“The media plays a critical role because, as you write your stories, people will be interested to know more about ICT in education.
“How do we insert parental control, how do we protect them and education is the key pillar, and ICT digitalisation is the way to go.
“It is the responsibility of all of us to make sure that our learners are safe in the ICT world.”
DigSTEinZ Project Officer, Mutsawashe Mvududu, said they depend on the media to spread the message on education in ICT.
“Our expectations are that the media go out there and raise awareness on the importance of ICT in education.
“We need to continue supporting the harmonisation of the national ICT policy and e-learning strategy through further consultations and collaboration.”
Mvududu emphasised on the need for protective measures to ensure that school children are safe while learning online.
“The DigSTEinZ project ensures all students have access to quality education regardless of background, leveraging digital platforms and blended learning.
“Effective media reporting on ICT in education requires journalists to have a clear understanding of the subject matter, policy frameworks, and the profound impact of technology on learning.”
The organisation has carried out the project in four districts, which include Umguza, Nkayi, Mhondoro Ngezi, and Zvimba.
DigSTEinZ’s main objective is to ensure the digital transformation of Zimbabwe’s education system by advocating for environment-friendly, world-class digital learning solutions.
