E-Learning program secures learning for students

(KEN MACHARIA) Primary and Secondary school going kids now have a secure, interactive and fun way of learning thanks to a new e-learning project launched today by Intel and Safaricom. 

 

The e-learning program, dubbed ‘Explore, Play Learn the Fun Safe Way,” aims at helping young students browse the internet while protecting them from inappropriate content and risks that come with surfing the web.

 

The program involves custom software installed on laptops with bundled Safaricom Data. The software includes Education Content for K12, Encyclopedia Britannica, British Council, free games, entertainment and business software and Intel PC basics for first time users. To protect the young users from harmful online content, the laptops come with McAfee family pack license for 3 years.

 

The initiative comes at a time when the Communications Commission of Kenya (CCK) is working on a policy to protect children from harmful online content after a study commissioned by the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social services, revealed a quarter of Kenyan children with internet access are exposed to sexual explicit material.

 

However, ‘Explore, Play Learn the fun safe way’ program is not restricted to children as parents can take advantage of the Business software that is also part of the software package.

 

“This program is projected to increase broadband penetration as well as providing technology tools to help our children in their education and to assist parents adopt technology to improve their personal lives,” said Bajeber.

 

The partnership will benefit from an earlier agreement between Intel and Kenya Institute of Education (KIE) to digitize primary and secondary curriculum, making it available to thousands of school going children.  

 

Intel country manager Omar Bajaber believes that broadband penetration is a key contributor to the GDP of the country. He said for the economy to grow, there needs to be substantial investment in broadband, education and local content.

 

Bajaber added that providing technology access and IT skills to students was a cornerstone for future innovation and individual opportunity in the competitive global marketplace. The parties have partnered together to develop a best-in-home model for deploying ICT in education.

 

In addition, Intel and Safaricom will work together to increase PC penetration – new laptop purchases – through attracting new customers for the mobile company by offering affordable laptops and broadband. 

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