This archive report was first published on 24 April 2020.
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to disrupt lives, the prolonged closure of schools has left many learners, particularly those in their final year of secondary school, in a state of uncertainty. The government's decision to shut down schools mid-last month was initially seen as a temporary measure, but six weeks on, there is still no end in sight.
President Uhuru Kenyatta and Education Cabinet Secretary George Magoha have maintained that the government has no intention of cancelling national examinations, but the question remains: how will learners prepare for these exams without the support of classroom teaching?
The government's response has been to offer online learning through programmes developed by the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD). However, critics argue that this is not a suitable replacement for classroom teaching, citing the limitations of digital and online learning, particularly in terms of access and cognition.
Many households in Kenya do not have the necessary infrastructure to support online learning, including reliable power supply and internet connection. Moreover, children are often expected to contribute to domestic chores and farm work, making it difficult for them to participate in online lessons.
Furthermore, online learning lacks the personal touch of classroom teaching, where teachers can explain complex concepts and answer questions in real-time. This can lead to a significant disadvantage for learners who do not have access to these resources.
The Kenya Secondary School Heads Association and the teachers' unions have called on the government to consider a phased reopening of schools, with a focus on the most vulnerable learners. This is a plausible solution, but the government must provide clear direction on the school calendar, including reopening and national exams.
As the pandemic continues to wreak havoc on the education system, it is imperative that the government finds a better option for supporting learners. Digital learning may be a useful supplement, but it is not a substitute for classroom teaching.
