The eLearning Africa conference is scheduled to take place from May 24 – 26 in Dakar, Senegal. This is the largest gathering of education and training professionals in Africa. Stakes and ambitions with Rebecca Stromeyer, founder & CEO of eLearning Africa.
Interview by Dounia Ben Mohamed
Remind us of the concept of eLearning Africa …
eLearning Africa is a platform, network and annual conference that brings together stakeholders in education, technology, and development from across Africa and the world to discuss how digital learning can be used to improve education and training in Africa. The conference focuses on a wide range of topics related to eLearning, such as digital literacy, mobile learning, open educational resources, AI, eLearning policy and much more. It covers the latest trends in digital learning and looks for different solutions for different needs
The conference aims to facilitate knowledge sharing and networking among participants, as well as showcase innovative eLearning initiatives and tools. It provides a platform for policymakers, educators, trainers, decision makers and technology providers to discuss the challenges and opportunities of digital learning in Africa and explore strategies for leveraging technology to improve education and training in schools and universities, as well as in remote areas or work environments.
What does the 2023 edition have in store for us?
The programme is very comprehensive, to name some examples: Emerging trends in eLearning which will include discussions of new technologies, such as artificial intelligence and immersive learning, and how they can be used to enhance eLearning experiences.
Best practices for eLearning design which includes sessions on instructional design principles, effective use of multimedia, and strategies for engaging learners.
Digital transformation in education will explore the ways in which eLearning is changing the education landscape, and how institutions can adapt to take advantage of new opportunities. Assessment and evaluation in eLearning which will cover strategies for measuring learning outcomes, evaluating eLearning programmes, and ensuring that eLearning is effective. We also have sessions on eLearning for professional development which will focus on using eLearning for continuing education, workforce development, and other forms of professional learning.
Furthermore the conference will offer Keynote speeches from experts in the field of eLearning Interactive workshops on the latest eLearning technologies and strategies
Panel discussions on a broad range of topics.
Presentations of research and case studies on the implementation of eLearning in various settings.
Networking opportunities with other eLearning professionals and stakeholders.
A large exhibition showcasing the full spectrum of innovation in EdTech from gamified learning apps to online proctoring tools, industry leading LMSs to augmented reality devices, content providers to explainer videos, established publishing services to pioneering educational hardware and much, much more; catering to all academic, corporate and public sector learning/training needs. It’s this diverse and comprehensive mix that makes the exhibition a magnet for buyers, analysts and investors in EdTech.
Why was Dakar chosen after Kigali?
eLearning Africa is a pan-African conference and moves from East to West and North to South. This allows participants from all over Africa to benefit from the event and learn from each other. Furthermore, Senegal like Rwanda has made immense strides in the digital economy and in digital education.
The meeting is being held in a particular context, post-Covid, the pandemic has resulted in an acceleration of the offer of eLearning on the continent. What are the opportunities? The limits?
The COVID-19 pandemic has indeed accelerated the adoption of eLearning across the African continent, as educational institutions and organisations sought alternative ways to deliver learning in the midst of lockdowns and social distancing measures. Some of the opportunities that this acceleration of digital Learning offers include:
Increased access to education: eLearning can reach a wider audience, including those in remote or underserved/low-tech areas, who may have previously had limited access to education due to physical distance or lack of resources.
Flexibility and convenience: eLearning can be accessed anytime, anywhere, which offers learners the flexibility to learn at their own pace and schedule.
Cost-effective: eLearning can be a cost-effective alternative to traditional forms of education, as it eliminates the need for physical infrastructure and can be delivered at scale with relatively low overhead costs.
However, there are also some limitations and challenges to eLearning that need to be addressed. These include:
Access to technology: Not all learners have access to the necessary devices and reliable internet connectivity required for eLearning, which can create a digital divide and exacerbate existing inequalities.
Quality assurance: Without proper quality assurance measures in place, there is a risk that eLearning materials may not be effective or of high quality, which could impact learning outcomes.
Pedagogical considerations: eLearning requires different pedagogical approaches than traditional classroom-based learning, and educators need to be trained in these approaches to ensure that learning is effective.
Social interaction: Traditional classroom-based learning offers opportunities for social interaction and peer-to-peer learning that can be difficult to replicate in an eLearning environment, which can impact learners’ social and emotional development.
Overall, eLearning offers many opportunities to increase access to education and enhance learning outcomes, but it also requires careful consideration of the challenges and limitations in order to ensure that it is effective and inclusive for all learners.
At eLearning Africa, all these aspects are analysed and discussed, both the opportunities and the challenges.
Learn more about the exhibition here: https://www.elearningafrica.com/conference2023/exhibition.php
