The role of education in educating the African youths

THE ROLE OF TECHNOLOGY IN EDUCATING THE AFRICAN YOUTHS

Technology is finally being integrated into education, its use for teaching and learning still remains a positive compliment.

Educational technology is the application of scientific knowledge related to learning and conditions of learning to improve the effectiveness of teaching and training- G.O.M. Leith

Technology is the application of scientific knowledge in the study,production and use of tools,machines to solve human problems. Despite the fact that many schools today are privileged to have ready access to technology, trained teachers, and a favourable policy environment, the use of technology in the classroom is still low.

With that said, the potential of technology to enhance learning cannot be overemphasized. The use of technology is something that started a long time ago for African youths with special needs. For example, brail machines have been utilized for the visually impaired. In addition, special needs programs that help African youths to enhance learning. By integrating technology into education, educators aim to engender pedagogical change and address fundamental issues that affect African youths.Technology can therefore be seen as both a tool and a catalyst for change.

Today, technologies used to improve and facilitate learning can be found everywhere. Leaving other contextual factors to the side – such as unequal access to technological innovations and connected technologies across schools and districts – we can only say that we have embraced technology in education when it is used for both teaching and learning

Technology plays the following roles in educating African youths:

First and foremost :Technology provides the students with basic technology literacy. With the incorporation of technology into schools, the main purpose is to change how students gather, access, analyse, and present information. This can democratize information in classrooms as well as help differentiate instruction, particularly for the African youths.

Again,the teacher always want to make the teaching- learning process effective. For this he does not only change his process on and off but also he uses new devices or equipments in his teaching strategies.For example:Mobile phones, Desktops and Laptops,Projectors, Digital Cameras,Printers, Photocopiers,tablets,Pen drives,Ipods,Ipads,Scanners,Flash drives,Interactive white boards, Microphones,DVDs and CDs,Web boards et cetera.

As a teacher, create a More Engaged Environment: You may think technology is just a distraction, but it can help encourage active participation in your classroom. Using devices like a computer, tablet, or other type of technology in your classroom can help turn traditionally dull subjects into interactive and fun activities.

Also,incorporate different learning styles:Each child in your classroom is different, and it can be challenging to adjust your learning plan to fit every student.

Furthermore: Identification and categorization of students:.Similar types of strategies is not useful for all types of students.Technology helps us to identify students and learning levels by testing their entering behaviour and to arrange the subject-matter accordingly.content of subject is now presented to them as per their interests, abilities and needs.

Moreover,technology brings novelty in teaching strategies: Using of same strategy throughout the lesson creates boredom in African youths. Teacher should change the strategies as per need frequently. Evaluation technology helps the teacher in bringing about change and novelty in them

Fortunately, technology in education can help you modify your lessons. For example, Ryan Greene, an MS in Instructional Design and Technology graduate, chose online learning to earn his degree at Walden, and now applies his knowledge on integrating technology to help improve his classroom.

Finally, technology is central to many sectors of society and its integration into the education process has great promise for African Youths' learning. With technology, one can expect increased efficiency and effectiveness on the part of African youths. Technology can also prompt pedagogical change and address issues that affect learning, teaching and social organization. Technology can therefore be seen as both a tool and a catalyst change.

In Lagos State, there are a lot of media that are facilitating the learning of youths one of which is that of Education district three and the Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board and Eko Excel that organise online learning platform for youth students on television,phones and other devices. Likely programmes also cut across other states in the federation.

Ultimately, effecting change is massive and can sometimes feel impossible, but as we have had some time away from the usual system to truly evaluate what values we hold as important, it might just be the catalyst required to re-imagine a new normal.