Using Emerging Technologies to Innovate the Teaching and Learning of History at Gulu University

Abstract

PCF10 Sub-theme: Inspiring Innovations // Universities continue to use teacher centered pedagogies despite of the available emerging technologies and digital tools for learning. This has caused the loss of interest in studying history among students. Faced with the challenge of making the learning of history real and interesting the department of history at Gulu University adopted the use of emerging technologies and digital tools to spice the learning of history. Using the Commonwealth of Learning Teacher mentorship approach, the department introduced participatory peer - support teaching to pilot innovative digital pedagogies. Lecturers were trained in the use of Screen Cast O-Matic, Voki, avatars and Mentimeter as digital tools for teaching. Videos, animations, avatars, illustrations and maps have been integrated to improve and transform the teaching of history. History has been popularised, motivating more students to enrol for the subject. The learning of History has been transformed from teacher centered strategy to student-centered digital learning. The Covid-19 lockdown registered optimum use of mobile digital technology, attracting more students to offer history, building lecturer’s confidence in the use of emerging technology and improving performance. Therefore, digital tools piloted in the learning of History could be replicated in other disciplines. // Paper ID 8873