Introduce educational technology in school curriculum - Sackey

Accra, Feb.02, GNA - Mr George Sackey Junior, Executive President of E-Toys and More, Ghana, a global non-profit Foundation that provides free online learning for children on Thursday said educational technology should be introduced in school curriculum. He therefore, asked Educational Institutions in West Africa to adopt educational technology as a tool to equip students to face the challenges of globalisation.

"Educational technology, hold the key for the West African sub-region to meet the challenges of globalisation and bridge the gap between the developed and developing nations."

"The colonial system of education is outmoded and cannot meet the challenges of fast changing face of information, technology and communication world," Mr Sackey added.

Mr Sackey was speaking to the Ghana News Agency in Accra after introducing a new partnership agreement signed between E-Toys and More of the United State of America and its Ghanaian counterpart to newsmen. He said educational institutions in Ghana and other West African countries would benefit from the partnership, as the Foundation would establish a local chapter of E-learning for kids.

The institutions would also have free access to the Foundation's courses on Compact Disc (CDs), especially in Mathematics, Science, Reading, Computer literacy, Personal Computers and other facilities. The E-Learning technology encourages learning, develops confidence and enhances the child's developmental potential, and prepares children for future technology.

Mr Sackey said due to the impact of Information Communication Technology (ICT), the world was shifting from the traditional forms of teaching and learning and replacing them with modern forms of electronic learning.

He therefore, urged educational institutions to take advantage of the available technology for social-economic transformation of the sub-region.

Addressing a workshop in Accra attended by over 200 educationists, Mr Sackey expressed concern about the lack of computers, educational materials and poor infrastructures at most of the schools in Ghana.

The workshop was organised by the Foundation in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and Sports and the Ghana Education Service on the theme: "The Effective Use of Educational Technology as a Tool for Transformation."

It would also create an excellent platform for the effective use of modern technology in educational institutions in the country. Mr Sackey said the Foundation in collaboration with the GES and the Ministry would support Government's effort to enhance education through the provision of Personal Computers and accessories to schools throughout the country.

Mr Nick Van Dam, Founder of E-Learning for Kids and Chief Learning Officer of Deloitte and Touche Tohmatsu said the Foundation's mission was to reach many children with free E-learning to help them build the essential skills for success in life.

"Internet access should not be the limiting factor, especially in this part of the world where childhood education is urgently needed. We are honoured that E-toys and More can drive these efforts in Ghana and West Africa," Mr Van Dam stated.

Ms Theresa Sackey, Head of E-Learning Ghana Chapter, said the Foundation would create more regional and country chapters throughout the sub-region to enable more educationists, parents and children have access to the technology.

"Our involvement with E-Learning for Kids is an exciting extension of our commitment to prepare today's children for success as tomorrow's adults."

"We are addressing a critical need to provide high quality, free E-Learning, and our relationships with stakeholders in education in Ghana should allow us to reach more children," Ms Sackey stated.