Lavington Primary School Pupils solving a mathematical sum on their Galaxy Note tablets.
Primary pupils in Kenya may soon shun the use of exercise books and black boards as Samsung Electronics East Africa has embarked on a pilot program geared at transforming traditional classrooms to multimedia teaching environments.
In a development that could herald the evolution of basic learning solutions in local private and public schools, Samsung Electronics East Africa has kicked off a strategic program to integrate digital technology in basic education.
The on-going pilot program at Samsung’s Nairobi Engineering Academy facility, dubbed the Samsung Smart School, is aimed at transforming the traditional classroom.
Compared with a traditional classroom environment, Samsung Smart School allows for greater interactivity and student engagement, which leads to improved performance. Students can also learn more efficiently by accessing additional online resources as they take their classes.
Speaking during the closing of an exposure lesson for Lavington Primary School pupils, Samsung Electronics East Africa Business Leader in Charge of Service, Koki Muia, explained that the transformation involves replacing exercise books with Samsung Galaxy Tablets for the pupils’ notes taking.
Teachers and students Ms Muia said, can communicate interactively with Smart School technology utilizing the GALAXY Note 10.1, Samsung Smart School, E-Board (or TV) and the central PC to engage and encourage students in class.
“In essence, the Samsung Smart School solution we are now piloting features a mobile learning solution that leverages Samsung tablet PC’s and an electronic blackboard to create an interactive multimedia classroom environment,” Ms. Muia explained.
“With the Classroom Management (CRM) functionality, the teacher can send what’s on the board to the students’ GALAXY Tabs and monitor their devices. The Mobile Learning Management System (m-LMS) provides multiple learning features such as resource sharing and assignment management.”
With Samsung Smart School, the teacher is better equipped to help improve the concentration and performance of students and control their devices for better student engagement. The students can download resources for independent study after school and take tests online.
“To generate interest among the students in embracing the digital learning concept, the training program focuses on demonstrating how modern technology such as computers, tablets, mobile phones make our lives easier, how they can have fun learning subjects such as mathematics and science through computer applications as well as well as the use of other exciting features such as colour printers, e-mail and cameras.” noted Muia.
With GALAXY Note 10.1 and Samsung Smart School, teachers can interactively communicate with students and share contents on screens. Students can ask or reply to questions raised in class in real time and the teachers can individually monitor and control the GALAXY Note 10.1 in class as well.
