Onyeso Chukwuka
A University don, Prof. Livinus Ogbondah has charged lecturers, particularly African based University scholars, to apply and adopt a technology-driven method and approach in teaching and learning.
Prof. Ogbondah gave this charge recently during the 2nd Annual International conference organized by the Department of Educational Foundations of the University of Port Harcourt.
According to him, “the modern classroom whether physical or virtual demands a seamless integration of pedagogy and technology. For any educator to remain relevant, effective and impactful, technological competence is no longer optional. It is a Professional driven classroom and education of the future are already here. Therefore, I urge everyone to embrace technology without any atom of phobia and without lagging behind. This is the way to go and we must rise up to the occasion.”
Prof. Ogbondah who spoke on the topic: Technology-Driven Teaching and Learning for Future Development, said that the impact of technology-driven teaching and learning have the potential to prepare and enhance educational development, pointing out that Lagos State has provided ICT devices and smart boarders to more that 15,000 classrooms through the project called Eko Digital, which has led to a 27 percent increase in school enrolment and that in Bayelsa State technology-driven methods has raised the levels of motivation among pupils.
“Impact of technology-driven teaching and learning if properly designed and strategically implemented educational technologies have the potential to become powerful tools in the Nigerian aspiration to enhance quality, equity and future preparedness in educational development”, Prof. Ogbondah emphasized.
He stated that there were over 14 impediments to technology-driven teaching and learning processes such as inadequate power supply, lack of qualified teachers as well as over-reliance and dependence on technology and that there were also over 14 recommendations and solutions to mitigate the impediments.
Prof. Ogbondah who presented the lead paper at the conference stated that due to the 5th industrial revolution the role of teachers has expanded beyond traditional teaching methods.
“For Nigeria educators, embracing technology is crucial to effectively engage students and prepare them for the modern world. In an era marked by rapid technological advancement, the role of teachers has expended beyond traditional teaching methods”, Prof. Ogbondah asserted.
He went further: “Embracing these technology skills will empower teachers to improve their methods, engage students more effectively, and prepare them for a technology-driven world. Continuous learning and adaptability will ensure that educators stay relevant and innovative in their teaching delivery. Students can as well use these skills to impart their learning outcome positively”.
Prof. Ogbondah who is the Dean, Faculty of Education of Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Port Harcourt, stated that there was need for a balance in academic activities of the use of technology and traditional teaching and learning methods in higher institutions, stressing on the need to use technology to make more money and recommending it as a way to go.
“Using technology to make yourself visible globally will attract more incomes. In fact, using technology-driven teaching and learning to make money is a way to go. “Besides, you can have other streams of income without depending on your single, pitiable salary for survival”.
He commended the management of the university, particularly the Department of Educational Foundations for the opportunity.
He urged Nigerian students to remain focused in their academic pursuit, adding that technological competence is a must.
Also speaking, Prof. Sunday Osaats remarked that the conference was aimed at charting a synergy between teaching and technology in the 21st century, especially the place of teachers and scholars as well as students.
Prof. Osaats stated that in the era of rapid ICT there was need to prepare and present students for global technologically-driven education for the future.
“At this conference we are talking about transformative education. A change that will enhance development and bring about the desired benefits to the society.
The 21st century education should be harnessed into the new system of teaching and learning”. Our correspondent reports that the theme of the conference was: Education for Today and Tomorrow: Harnessing Innovation for Sustainable Future.
He also gathered that several eminent personalities received awards, including the Anambral Commissioner of Police CP Ikioye Orutugu.***
