Technology giant, Microsoft, says its hope is to build a solid technological foundation for the transformation of education in Ghana and Africa.
Anthony Salcito, Vice President, Worldwide Education, Microsoft, stressed that the company wants to help educationists, policy makers and all stakeholders build a very strong foundation so that the transformation required can easily be achieved.
Despite the lack of adequate infrastructure, teachers as well as teaching and learning materials to speed up the transformation Microsoft wants to see, Mr. Salcito is confident about the future of education in Ghana.
“There are going to be many steps to the journey of transformation but the foundation must be strong and that is our focus at Microsoft: we need to use technology to build a reliable and sustainable foundation,” he said in an interview at the 2015 Innovation Africa Summit, which came off in Uganda recently.
He is of the opinion that for any nation to see a solid foundation for economic growth it should create the connection between universities and industries as well as instilling entrepreneurial skills in students at the university level which will enhance job creation.
“I would like to, in 10 years, see access to broadband and other technology devices cut across all ages and educational systems. This will then start to shift the way teachers would teach which will set the foundation for a technology-economy based on science, technology, engineering, mathematics and coding in the classroom.
“I think if we can start early, then we can get the students to have the desire for these industries. That transition can happen in 10 years if we put the foundation in place with the right thoughtfulness. That’s the approach I will like to see many countries go as opposed to solving the short-term issues,” he said.
Innovation Africa is the continent’s leading summit for education and innovation and brings together all education players, from schools and civil society to Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and education ministers.
Microsoft officially came to Ghana five years ago and discussions between government and Microsoft have yielded results, including the Education Transformation Agreement that seeks to not only introduce technology in education but transform the entire sector for a better future.
In 2011, Microsoft and the British Council signed an agreement that saw the establishment of 15 digital hubs, known as Badiliko Centres, which were used to train teachers on how to use technology in their works, and students also were trained on the use of technology to learn.
Today, these centres now aid students in doing their home works and other academic activities and are thus delivering incredible value to both teachers and students.
Secondly, through countless professional development courses in collaboration with partners, Microsoft has enhanced the teaching skills of teachers and has now enabled them on how technology could be applied effectively in the processes of teaching and learning.]
Currently, Microsoft is working with the Ghana Education Service (GES), through its technology directorate, on how to help the service increase its own efficiency and effectiveness. He lauded education officials in Ghana about their enthusiasm and commitment to getting the foundation right.
“I was very impressed with the depth of the leadership from the directors from Ghana. They were not just interested in bringing rapid change to the challenges they are facing today but actually build the foundation for long term transformation and that is what is needed,” he added.
Considering Africa’s labour force will be larger than China’s by 2035, skill development that starts early in schools are becoming a priority.
This is why Innovation Africa’s theme for 2015 is “Skills Development in the 21st Century”.Educators and their partners will look at ways to incorporate digital and soft skills into the classroom so students are prepared for the future workforce.
Microsoft’s investments in education continue under various programmes including the 4Afrika Initiative and YouthSpark. Through the 4Afrika initiative, Microsoft has committed to upskill 200,000 Africans by 2016.
Schools like Ashesi University, Koforidua Polytechnic and Cape Coast University are benefiting from the technology outlay by Microsoft.
Warren La Fleur, Regional Manager, Education, Sub Saharan Africa for Microsoft, said that Microsoft is working hard with institutions across the length and breadth of the country so that technology education for all can be achieved.
“We have done some work with Ashesi University and now we are working with Koforidua Polytechnic. It is not only about Accra-based initiatives but we are trying to roll out these initiatives across the country. We are also trying to engage the University of Cape Coast since it is the biggest teacher training university in Ghana,” he said.