Ahead of school resumption in Abia State, BlueGiraffe has commenced training for teachers who will man the state’s Smart Schools, with emphasis on 21st-century teaching methods and effective use of digital technology.
The training, held at Community Primary School, Umuomaiukwu, Isiala-Ngwa North Local Government Area, is aimed at equipping the teachers with skills for blended learning and effective use of the Smart School facilities.
Mrs. Orieji Okwara-Emele Managing Director/CEO of BlueGiraffe
Speaking during the exercise today, the programme facilitator and Managing Director/CEO of BlueGiraffe, Mrs. Orieji Okwara-Emele, said the training would be continuous to keep teachers abreast of developments in technology and modern education.
She said the programme would move teaching beyond memorisation and cramming, while promoting communication, collaboration, creativity and critical thinking among pupils.
The Abia-born expert urged parents to ensure that their children attend school regularly and take advantage of the opportunities provided by the Smart Schools, through Governor Alex Chioma Otti, OFR which she said would help them compete globally.
Okwara-Emele commended Governor Alex Otti for his uncommon efforts to ensure that Abia schoolchildren are not left behind in the digital age.
She said the governor had demonstrated strong commitment to education and was intentional about providing Abia children with the knowledge, skills and technology needed to compete with their peers globally.
Victoria Ikedichi BlueGiraffe Instructor
Also speaking, BlueGiraffe instructor, Victoria Ikedichi, said teachers must be sufficiently tech-savvy to maximise the facilities provided in the schools.
She said teachers would use smart boards and laptops, while pupils would have access to tablets, adding that subsequent training sessions would cover Smart School operations, assessment methods, Learning Management System (LMS), Student Management System (SMS) and other digital tools.
Ikedichi added that pupils would receive basic knowledge of artificial intelligence appropriate to their age and level of development.
Meanwhile, some of the trainees expressed enthusiasm over the programme.
Nwagbara Dike Emmanuel A Trainee Teacher
Mr. Nwagbara Dike Emmanuel said the training would equip teachers with ICT skills to make learning easier, faster and more accessible.
Another trainee, Mrs. Ruth Chidiebere Udeonye, described the initiative as “massive” and a significant opportunity for teachers to improve their capacity.
They expressed gratitude to God and the state governor for the opportunity to participate in the programme.
