Report to show ICTs transforming education

BENIN

The Honourable Max Ahouéké, Minister of Communication and Information and Communication Technologies of the Republic of Benin, will this week present the results of a major survey of the impact of new technology and improved connectivity on education throughout Africa.

The eLearning Africa 2012 Report is the first significant attempt to provide a 'snapshot' of how ICT and better connectivity are believed to be changing the face of education in Africa. It is based on a detailed survey of the experience of nearly five hundred education professionals across the Continent and will confirm that ICT-enhanced learning has been widely embraced throughout Africa.

The Report, which will be presented by the Minister at the opening session of the eLearning Africa conference in Cotonou, Benin on 23rd May, will show that 71 per cent of those surveyed are now using ICT-enhanced learning in their classrooms and 48 per cent use mobile phones for education.

The Report includes a detailed analysis by leading commentators from 41 countries of the prospects for African ICT-enhanced learning. It describes new trends, examines some of the possible obstacles to further development and considers the contribution ICT is making to the achievement of 'Education for All' in Africa. It also identifies the challenges and opportunities that are likely to define eLearning over the coming years.

According to eLearning Africa's Programme Director and co-author of the Report, Shafika Isaacs, "the aspiration of The eLearning Africa Report is to provide regular, yearly snapshots of how perceptions and realities combine and collide over time, with particular reference to the eLearning experience in Africa. It is hoped that these will lead to richer, more nuanced conversations, healthier decision-making and more effective action-taking towards ensuring 'Education for All' in Africa."

Following its launch on Wednesday 23 May, the Report, which is sponsored by WYSE and supported by the Association of Portuguese Language Universities (AULP), will be available for free download at the following address: http://www.elearning-africa.com/report2012

eLearning Africa is the Continent's largest gathering of education professionals, policymakers and business leaders. It will take place in Cotonou, Benin from the 23-25 May 2012. For more information, please visit www.elearning-africa.com