For many years people have spoken about how reliable access to internet services will change the way education is delivered in Africa. While most Western schools do enjoy full use of email and the internet, a large majority of African schools still do not have the same ability due to the lack of access and a problem known widely as the digital divide.
Broadband access makes a variety of e-services, including education, available and can make a significant difference to schools who struggle with limited resources.
A single teacher could lecture to many classrooms across the continent, via the web. This would mean thousands, possibly millions of students could benefit from learning from specialist teachers. Students can also access high quality educational resources and share ideas with other students or professors at schools around the world.
Plans are in motion to connect schools in some African countries, enabling students to:
- Access to information from around the world
- Be provided with up to date learning resources
- Connect with international opportunities
- Learn independently or from a unique curriculum
Education is the great equaliser in the world, and bringing it online can give students the opportunity to become global citizens and competitive, productive contributors in the local job market.
