Experts in the education sector have called on the federal and state governments, as well as stakeholders to invest in digital infrastructure to deepen the adoption of blended learning in schools.
Blended learning combines traditional in-class instructor-led teaching with e-learning content to create a flexible learning experience.
This approach holds the potential to address some of the critical issues in Nigeria’s education system, from reduced costs to expansion and maintenance of infrastructure, reduction in national literacy, as well as improved learning by creating spaces for teachers to dedicate more time to small groups.
This was one of the major take-outs at the just concluded November edition of Edtech Mondays by the Co-Creation Hub (CCHUB), in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation’s Centre for Innovative Teaching and Learning in Information and Communication Technology (ICT).
At the programme themed: “Monitoring and evaluation of blended learning models,” Director of Academics, NewGlobe, Nduka Akujobi, noted that the country’s education landscape is growing fast in adopting and implementing blended learning models since the advent of COVID-19.
Akujobi noted that the company was at the forefront of collaborating with state governments by leveraging technology to transform learning and improve literacy, which would have a consequential impact on the economy.
He cited examples of Lagos, Bayelsa, Edo and Kwara States, where such models have been implemented, resulting in positive outcomes.
He said the goal of deploying blended learning was to ensure that learning deprivation is considerably reduced in line with global benchmarks.
Also speaking, the Principal Alpha Choice Innovative Academy, Senbanjo Olufemi, noted that adopting blended learning models became necessary because of the COVID-19 lockdown as well as the quest for innovation within a collaborative learning environment.
While admitting the challenges faced in co-opting parents and pupils for blended learning, Principal, Alpha Choice Innovative Academy, Senbanjo Olufemi, explained that the future of learning lies in deploying technology through a blended approach.
He charged educational institutions to be intentional about implementing a blended learning approach by ensuring there is an enabling environment, good internet access, and the necessary digital infrastructure and tools.
The Founder, Learners Corner Tech Hub, Julius Ilori, emphasised the need for the government to invest in technology and the provision of digital infrastructure, saying making such a bold move would aid learning accessibility, especially for disadvantaged kids.
He stressed the need for stakeholders and policymakers to consider bringing culture or language into the learning space to drive the adoption of blended learning approach for pupils.
