‘Learning in Context’: eLearning Africa programme announced
Details of this year’s eLearning Africa conference, which will take place in Mauritius from September 27 - 29, have been announced, with a comprehensive programme of relevant events all linking under the theme ‘Learning in Context.’ The congress coincides with UNESCO’s International Day of Universal Access to Information.
The Pan-African education and technology community from 70+ countries will attend over three days of diverse sessions. Formats include networking meetups, knowledge factories, and discovery meetups. Solutions to critical issues, such as access to learning and vocational training, equality and quality in education, skills and employability, health, agriculture, literacy, and governance will be deliberated.
“Development is about changing power relations, and the connectivity and digitalisation of Africa offers huge potential to do this from the grassroots up,” explained Rebecca Stromeyer. “One of the sustainable development goals outlined by the UN is to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all. eLearning Africa is committed to supporting with the biggest pan-African knowledge sharing event for technology enhanced education and training.”
Speakers announced so far include Salah-Eddine Kandri, Global Head of Education at the International Finance Corporation (IFC – World Bank Group) and Mohammad Santally, Associate Professor and Officer in Charge of the Centre for Innovative & Lifelong Learning, University of Mauritius.
Speaking ahead of the event, Mr. Kandri remarked that entrepreneurial spirit is rife in Africa, but training is lacking for to entrepreneurs grow to scale. This is where eLearning programmes are beneficial. Since Africa is a continent of 54 countries, all with different challenges, Mr. Kandri stressed the importance understanding local contexts. “However, there are specific educational issues that the entire region is facing. These include high teacher and student absenteeism, limited in-classroom instructional time, rote learning, poor school infrastructure/no electricity, untrained teachers in rural areas, poor health/nutrition, and girls leaving early.” (Please read the full-length interview with Mr. Kandri on our eLearning Africa Newsportal.)
eLearning Africa 2017 will be a forum to discuss overcoming these challenges, and much more. It takes place in the Republic of Mauritius, under the patronage of the Hon. Mr Yogida Sawmynaden, Minister of Technology, Communication and Innovation and the Hon. Mrs Leela Devi Dookun-Luchoomun, Minister of Education and Human Resources, Tertiary Education and Scientific Research.
The event would not be possible without the tremendous support of the partners and sponsors: AADLC, Altissia, Avanti Communications, Blackboard, The Global Business School Network, Mwabu, Online Business School, OpenCollab, Oracle, Pearson Education Africa, Presentations2Go, Proctorio, Smart Learning Institute of Beijing Normal University, Sterling Pixels, and UNESCO INRULE.
* Please note that the programme is subject to change