Browsing by Author "Wambua, Francis"

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    Optimizing Assistive Technologies as a Tool for ODeL Implementation to Learners with Disabilities in TVET Institutions in Kenya
    (2022-09) Wanyaga, Felister; Tarno, Edwin; Wambua, Francis
    PCF10 Sub-theme: Promoting Equity and Inclusion // Education for sustainable development is an essential component of every human being. This means that education should be available and accessible to all learners on the basis of equal opportunity and equity. However, the persons with disabilities are often marginalized and consequently, they may not access technical training as they should. The Corona virus has revealed emerging vulnerabilities in education systems around the world. It is now clear that Kenya needs flexible and resilient education systems as we face erratic futures. Technology could be leveraged to ensure that learning takes place even as the country faces the Covid-19 uncertainties. It is true that government agencies have focused more on providing access to the learners in TVET institutions through Open, Distance and eLearning (ODeL) systems but overlooked the aspect of equity. Therefore, there is necessity for special commitment to enhance necessary technology to allow access to training and transition to work for learners with disabilities in TVET institutions. This paper achieves this through (1) defining the key concepts of ODeL, and (2) Presenting a model for optimizing assistive technologies in TVET institutions. A descriptive research design was adopted for this study and pertinent literature was visited to capture the essence of continued learning during these unprecedented times. The paper concludes that the optimisation of assistive technologies as a tool for promoting equity and inclusion in TVET education is viable through proactive educational leadership and policies that ensure availability of the appropriate human capacity and infrastructural resources. // Paper ID 3549
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    Raspberry Pi, A Sustainable Internet Connectivity Solution for Master Craftsmen: A Case Study of Kenya Technical Trainers College
    (2022-09) Wambua, Francis; Moki, Abednego; Tarno, Edwin
    PCF10 Sub-theme: Inspiring Innovations // The current educational disruption brought on by the Covid-19 epidemic has prompted a slew of investments and the usage of educational technologies for blended and virtual Learning. Despite the importance of online learning for emergency remote learning in most educational institutions, internet limitations in the country has remained a concern, making learning difficult. In response to this, KTTC in collaboration with COL, identified a Raspberry Pi technology to help and mitigate the internet issue. A study was done to ascertain this claim. A thousand trainees from five county regions in Kenya were chosen to undertake courses in master craftsmen. The courses were blended, that meant that trainers would take the trainees in face to face sessions and KTTC would provide internet connectivity through the use of Raspberry Pi to the training shades. A Raspberry Pi, would provide sufficient internet to 30 trainees sited at a distance of 70 meters from each other without the need to simulate existing internet connectivity. The study showed that it is possible to provide cheap internet to remote areas of a given region, hence enhancing the blended approaches to training. This case study recommends the implementation of Raspberry Pi use in sustainable internet provision. It further allows more research to be done to ascertain its findings. // Paper ID 4457