Kenyatta University to offer short coding courses for teachers
Kenyatta University (KU) has announced plans to offer short courses for retooling teachers in an effort to enhance the teaching of coding and computational thinking in primary and secondary schools.
The university aims to provide teachers with a solid understanding of the fundamental concepts of coding, as well as the tools and techniques needed to teach it effectively in the classroom.
In a press release, the university said the short courses will be implemented through a partnership with Kodris Africa and will cover topics such as curriculum development, assessment and evaluation, and classroom management.
It added that the courses will be managed by three faculty members, and will be based on a training of Trainers model, which will see thousands of teachers in both private and public schools trained in coding with an aim to transfer their knowledge to the classroom, and will be the first model of its type in the continent.
Kenyatta University Vice-Chancellor Prof Paul Wainaina said, “As a key stakeholder in the Education sector in this country, we took notice of last year’s approval of curriculum support material on coding by the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development. To supplement this historic move, we are therefore taking our responsibility and position to ensure that our teachers are equipped with the latest knowledge and skills to deliver their mandate effectively.”
The chair of KICD, Prof. Elishiba Kimani, said that the partnership will go a long way to enhance the digital revolution and equip teachers with the requisite skills to meet the needs of preparing pupils in both primary and secondary with coding skills, which was KICD was on board with the initiative.
Kodris Africa CEO Mugumo Munene said the partnership with KU carries immense potential to positively impact society.