Education stakeholders have sounded a warning to teachers against the over reliance on AI, particularly in classrooms, insisting that the technology should complement teaching rather than replace teachers altogether.

🇰🇪 Breaking It Down

The call was made during the Freedom 250 EdTech Innovators Summit held at the Kenya School of Government, where educators, policymakers, technology companies, university representatives and development partners met to discuss the future of digital learning in Kenya.

While AI featured prominently in the discussions, stakeholders stressed that education technology extends beyond artificial intelligence and includes digital content, learning management systems, virtual and blended learning, assessment platforms and other innovations designed to improve teaching and learning.

Speaking during the summit, Tufunzeni Executive Director Dennis Omolo said technology should be viewed as a tool that empowers teachers instead of replacing them.

📌 What You Need to Know

"Technology will not replace great teachers. It should help teachers teach better and learners learn better. For us, the real question is not simply whether schools should adopt technology, but how we ensure that innovation improves real learning outcomes and reaches every learner," Omolo said.

Education stakeholders noted that the growing adoption of AI in education must be accompanied by investments in teacher training to ensure educators can integrate digital tools effectively into classroom instruction.

They also identified four critical areas Kenya must address before technology can be fully embraced in schools, including strengthening digital infrastructure, improving affordable internet connectivity, developing locally relevant digital content and implementing inclusive policies that ensure learners in rural and underserved communities are not left behind.

According to participants, responsible adoption of AI and other education technologies will depend on equipping teachers with the skills needed to use digital tools while maintaining meaningful interaction with learners.

The stakeholders further observed that many promising education technology solutions fail to gain traction because they are developed without sufficient engagement with teachers and schools, making collaboration between innovators and educators essential.

The summit also highlighted emerging digital solutions developed by Kenyan innovators, allowing teachers and school leaders to interact with platforms supporting school management, digital learning, assessment, STEM education and personalised learning.

📰 Source: Kenyans.co.ke