Kenyan schools are increasingly turning to digital technology to enhance classroom instruction, with education technology firms promoting interactive learning tools as the country continues to implement the Competency-Based Education (CBE)
Elimu Tab has introduced interactive digital screens and educational tablets designed to support digital content delivery, remote learning and access to educational materials both inside and outside the classroom.
Elimu Tab chief executive officer Anthony Kahinga said the interactive screens would allow teachers to display digital learning content to entire classrooms, with a single digital book accessible to between 50 and 100 learners.
“The interactive screens enable teachers to move beyond handwritten notes and use digital presentations, instructional videos and other visual learning materials that make lessons more engaging,” Kahinga said.
The screens are fitted with built-in cameras and microphones, allowing schools to conduct hybrid lessons and connect learners who may be unable to attend classes physically.
The company has also introduced educational tablets loaded with reading materials, coding lessons, foreign-language content and other educational resources, including materials tailored for children living with disabilities.
Kahinga said the content had been developed with the Kenyan education environment in mind and included local languages. The tablets are also designed to provide children with educational activities during school holidays.
To address affordability concerns, Elimu Tab has introduced a flexible payment model that allows parents to acquire the tablets and pay for them in instalments.
The technology was launched at Epic Ridge Academy, which acquired an interactive smartboard as part of its efforts to integrate digital tools into classroom instruction.
Epic Ridge Academy director John Waweru said the technology would enable teachers to turn conventional schemes of work into live and interactive lessons.
He said lessons could also be recorded, giving pupils who miss classes an opportunity to catch up while allowing learners struggling with particular concepts to revisit lessons at their own pace.
“The ability to record lessons means a learner who misses a class does not necessarily have to fall behind. They can revisit the lesson and focus on areas they did not understand,” Waweru said.
The digital system will also support the use of Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development-approved e-books. Waweru said digital content could reduce the cost of learning materials by allowing a single licence to serve an entire class while incorporating multimedia resources.
However, he said schools would require significant investment to complete the transition to digital learning, particularly in acquiring equipment and training teachers.
The partnership with Elimu Tab includes teacher training aimed at ensuring educators can effectively integrate the technology into their lessons.
Catherine Omondi, a teacher, said she expected the technology to make learning easier and more engaging for both teachers and learners.
The growing adoption of digital learning has nevertheless raised questions about affordability and unequal access, particularly among schools and families with limited financial resources.
Waweru called on the government to consider tax waivers or reductions on educational technology equipment, arguing that lowering the cost of devices would make digital learning more accessible to Kenyan learners.
The developments come as schools continue exploring ways of integrating technology into CBC, which places greater emphasis on skills development, creativity, problem-solving and active learner participation.
