Teach e-learning in our schools

SOCIAL media should be seen as an icon in education and a reliable medium of communication apart from other usages in today’s world of technology. With the rapid global trend in technology, the use of social media has becoming vital in education, health, business, government and even in personal daily activities for communication and information dissemination. E-learning in social media is a change and development in the system of education.
The negative approaches in the use of social media platforms should change. Instead, it should be seen as an iconic educational tool for the way forward.  Yes, the Constitution has guaranteed basic rights such as rights to freedom of speech and expression. But we must also be mindful of other people’s rights to privacy and the obligation to respect such rights and freedoms for our mutual benefit and respect for laws. Therefore, as ethical informative citizens and social media users, there should be maximum good use of social media without breaching any law to demean other people or the sovereignty of the nation. Social media has a growing impact on students’ learning. It provides students with collaborative learning outside the classroom. There are available sites, education sites, for all school grades.
These links give unlimited access to information and resources. For example: a link to an online library gives students access to some of the best-selling e-books, journals, magazines, games and others. Some of these resources that are accessible online are not available physically when they are needed. E-learning is convenient, fun and interesting for students. Therefore, many students rely on online learning rather than traditional forms of learning. This is why we should integrate social media with the classroom as an integral e-learning platform with strict rules and regulations in place. It is important to teach students on the use of technology and let them get used to it before entering the workforce. In today’s age of technology, knowledge and skills on the use of technology has become a growing demand in the workforce. Without the knowledge and skills on the use of technology, getting a job will become a little harder.
Social media platforms are quick, easy and convenient for disseminating information to a multitude of viewers in different locations at any time. Information can be on news, current events, education, health awareness or business.
Even online video conferencing with a family member in a foreign country is possible. Thanks to technology, even farmers and salesmen can advertise their products/services on social media and communicate with their clients. This saves them cost and time and gives them enough time to get other things done. E-learning in schools is a great relief and strategic move in this time of the Covid-19. When students are absent from class for any other valid reason, they could still access lessons online. Online learning is a milestone achievement for the good of students and schools, which can save some material costs as well. The Government, non-government organisations, private organisations, donors and other agencies should invest in technology for the best interest of students and integral human development.

Vincent Tambure,
Usino-Bundi