A DAY WELL SPENT

I am a tech savvy teacher, who is still learning and will continue learning.  I have always been passionate about technology, but on the 2nd of March, 2018, I was reinforced to do more.

I was privileged to attend the maiden edition of the education technology event in Nigeria -TOSSEtech 2018 organized by EDUMARK under the leadership of a woman whose love for education in Nigeria has spurred so many teachers on – Mrs Yinka Ogunde. It is an event I won’t forget easily. It was an amazing event with interesting talks and great exhibitions.

While listening to the various speakers at the event, it became very clear that educational technology is no longer what it used to be. 

The future of educational  technology in Nigeria is so bright that the brilliance (radiance) can already be seen. 

It is a future that is not really future because it is almost here and the discerning educators can already feel its presence. It is a future that we really need to prepare for or we will be left behind.

By being left behind, I mean that an educator will no longer be relevant in the world of education, and yes, I see a future where not only old fashioned educators will be out of jobs but old fashioned schools will be put out of business, because a time is coming when even parents will want their children to attend schools where they will be prepared for life in the future. 

You may say. “ I teach in a government school. How is this my business?”  It doesn’t matter where you work, what’s important is that you become tech savvy, because you can’t tell the day that the government will key into this vision. Either way, you will be left behind.

Get ready for the future of educational technology, become tech savvy. 

Becoming tech savvy is not an impossible task, it is achievable, but requires time, effort and perseverance.

You musn’t study a computer related course to become tech savvy. This brings me to an important part of the TOSSEtech event- the unveiling of the TOSSE Mobile App.

Mrs Yinka Ogunde, while speaking about the app and its creator said that the young man who developed the app is a doctor (gynaecologist). During the presentations by the exhibitors, this same young man introduced himself and his brother as the EDALAF BROTHERS.

They didn’t just develop the TOSSE App, they have their own programming language DYNA, a school management system developed by them, etc.

It is remarkable that they both didn't study any computer related course (one is a Chemist and the other a gynaecologist), but they are doing so much better than so many who studied a computer related course. They explored technology, loved it and have become a force to reckon with.

Who says you must study a computer related course to be Tech Savvy?

Dear educators, let go of the fear, the uncertainties. Start with baby steps and you will get there. Do not wait for your employers to express their need for you to become tech savvy. Do it for yourselves. Enhance your value as an educator, make yourselves relevant, attend any relevant training. Don’t wait for someone to pay for a training before you attend. Save money and invest wisely.

The day is coming when technology will replace teachers who do not improve themselves, but will become a powerful tool in the hands of creative tech savvy teachers.

Do you need help with becoming tech savvy? 

Drop your comment or contact me and I’ll put you through.