The introduction of ICT into the education system was one of the topics addressed at the 2012 ADEA Triennale. The introduction of ICT into the education system was one of the omnipresent topics at the 2012 ADEA Triennale. A major technological innovation in the field of education was presented, through the Energy, Information and Communication Technology in Education (RETICE) Network program, as a solution to boost the integration of ICT into education.
RETICE is a program designed by KA Technologies and supported by ADEA and the Burkina Faso Ministry of National Education, which offers « a comprehensive solution for the complete integration of ICT into education. » One of the tools for this integration already developed by KA Technologies, the digital schoolbag, is being presented at the Triennale’s Innovation and Knowledge Fair. According to its designers, the digital schoolbag, or e-TEP, is a technology that can replace textbooks. These benefits would be significant for students, teachers, parents, and governments.
For Dr. Victor Agbégnenou, coordinator of the RETICE program, who presented this innovation to the press, the technology provides solutions to the parallel issues that arise regarding its use in Africa, enabling it to contribute to equitable education. The question of necessary infrastructure, such as energy, has been addressed: the digital schoolbag was designed « to be used in the most remote regions where electricity is non-existent, » assures Dr. Victor Agbégnenou. This dispels any doubts about the relevance of this technology, which aims to bring ICT to every student’s school desk, in the African context.
Burkina Faso: the starting point of a digital revolution for Africa?
For its first experiment, Burkina Faso has positioned itself as a pioneer, with five pilot sites already equipped. Among these sites is the « A » primary school in Patte d’Oie, which received a donation of computer equipment from Korea during the Triennale. It’s certainly not tomorrow that we’ll see this technology operational in all our primary schools. But in the MENA region, we believe in it, resolutely determined to move towards this innovative approach to ICT in education. This process has already begun. It will involve several avenues, including training teachers and students in the use of technology.
But above all, to gain momentum, this process must benefit from political will to succeed. During a parallel session devoted to ICT and education, it was emphasized that the introduction of ICT into education systems must involve both the private sector and governments. Within ADEA, it has become a priority to consider how ICT can contribute to improving education and access to quality education.
Source : burkina24.com
