DBTA Learning Management System Proficiency Training in Don Bosco Boys’ Town – Nairobi
Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) are greatly influencing the way learning institutions operate in providing services. In the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, it was evident that most developing countries found it challenging to continue their learning, unlike developed countries where learning continued online. The largely affected was TVET whereby in developing countries they apply traditional methods of teaching and learning.
This was a great lesson to the TVET providers and most have come up with ways to offer online teaching. Accordingly, Don Bosco Tech Africa developed an e-learning management system for Don Bosco TVET centres in Africa. This project has been running in two institutions as a pilot project; Don Bosco Technical Institute Ashaiman, Ghana and Don Bosco Boys’ Town Technical Institute Nairobi, Kenya.
To ensure the sustainability of this initiative, DBTech Africa organized training for trainers and trainees in the solar department of Don Bosco Boys’ Town Technical Institute Karen, Nairobi from 23rd – 27th January 2023. The training was coordinated by Dr. George Adwek DBTA solar expert and Ms. Faith Munyalo DBTA e-learning expert. The objective of the training was to equip the trainers and learners with the required skills to use the Learning Management System (LMS) efficiently and effectively.
At the end of the training, the trainers were able to navigate through the system, create assignments, monitor the assessments, add activities for students, create forums and grade students. On the other hand, the trainees were able to access the solar PV course in the system, engage in group forums, do and submit assignments and also do exam. They were also trained to use the moodle app which will allow them to access the course in the system offline.
The DBTALMS has the following unique features:
- High-Quality Materials available to everyone
- Access education remotely
- Highly Interactive
- Offer Different learning methodologies
- Extensive database
- Accessible even on mobile devices
The current trend in technology has brought about a paradigm shift from the norm in learning and teaching methods. Digital education offers a range of benefits including; personalized learning, digital assessment track progress, blended learning, competency-based learning, enhancing digital literacy, collaborative learning, easier access, gamification, learning flexibility, a wide range of content, full-time access to content and boosts students accountability to mention but a few.
Acknowledging the current trends in the education system and the benefits that come with it, the goal of Don Bosco Tech Africa is to extend the DBTALMS to all Don Bosco TVET centres in Africa and offer all technical courses online. A similar training was conducted in Don Bosco Technical Institute Ashaiman, Ghana in November 2022.