Technology: The Classroom of the Future for Universities in Kenya

Abstract

When the government of Kenya ordered all schools and Universities to close by 20 March, 2020 as part of Covid-19 disease containment measures, majority of local Universities quickly moved to implement e-learning initiatives for students. Some of the Universities were at the time, administering their end-of-semester examinations online to ensure students complete their studies on time. However, most of the Universities were not ready to fully adopt online learning system, as less than half of students enrolled in distance learning programmes accessed course materials through their University’s online platforms while the rest either received them through email or in hard copy. Therefore, by conducting a literature based study the researcher investigated how technology was shaping the classroom of the future for Universities in Kenya. The study was anchored on technology acceptance theory. The findings revealed that Universities across the world have generally been quick to adopt new technologies, often even before their educational value has been proven. The study found that Kenyan Universities were being compelled by the government to introduce e-learning and blended learning as an alternative delivery system. There is clear evidence that most of the Universities in Kenya are already using e-learning but mostly in blended mode with face to face teaching. The study concludes that the future technology will change how teachers and students receive and send information. There will be a shift from the traditional system of using books and pen in classroom to digital. Based on the findings and conclusion the study recommends that the government of Kenya and managements of Universities must therefore develop online platforms that promote active learning and broader interaction. The study also recommends that even though platforms for e-Learning already exist in some Universities however in blended form, there is need to have them enhanced by adding voice and video components to complete the online classroom experience.

Keywords: Technology, Classroom, Universities, Kenya.