3RD Annual Symposium held by Mathematics and ICT Students’ Association of Komenda College of Education
The Mathematics and ICT Students’ Association of Komenda College of Education has held their third annual symposium, centered around the topic of "technology integration in teaching and learning; the readiness of today's mathematics student teacher."
The event, held on Saturday, June 29, 2024, featured Professor Peter Akayuure as the Guest Speaker. Addressing the audience, Professor Akayuure emphasized the importance of embracing technology in the education sector.
He highlighted that we currently reside in a Super-Smart Society, where technology has become the driving force, and it is crucial for teachers to remain updated and adapt to this trend.
Professor Akayuure added that, teaching is not confined to the four walls of a traditional classroom anymore, as remote teaching and learning have become the new norm.
"if you are a teacher teaching in this smart world and you always want to meet and talk to them [Students] in a classroom, they wouldn’t mind you. This is because in this era, they want to live in the comfort of their homes and study," he noted.
Defined as the use of technology to enhance and support the educational environment, technology integration was described by Professor Akayuure as a requirement within the curriculum and an educational policy.
He encouraged teachers to accept and incorporate technology into their teaching methodologies, stressing that there is no room for resistance in this fast-paced digital era.
"Think of how you can join this smart world rather than sitting down as a teacher and saying it is happening too fast. No, take action now as more advancements are yet to come," he posited.
The Guest Speaker emphasized the need for teachers to understand the benefits of technology integration.
He mentioned its ability to promote personalized learning, learning-centeredness, 21st-century skills, enriched learning and engagement, digital skills for daily activities and the workplace, simulated real-life situations, learning across geographical boundaries, support for routine tasks, and the preparation of learners for the future smart world. Professor Akayuure also provided insights into various techniques for integrating ICT in education. He suggested the use of standalone math applications such as Photomath, Aleks math solver, Geogebra, and Maple Geometry ARPAPLU.
Additionally, he highlighted strategies like the flipped classroom approach and gamification as effective tools for incorporating technology into teaching.
Furthermore, Professor Akayuure stressed that teachers must possess Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge (TPACK). This knowledge equips them with the necessary skills to effectively blend technology into their teaching practices.
The Head of Department for Mathematics and ICT Education at the college, Rev. Wilson Kotey Kotei, shared that the association consistently organizes these symposiums to empower the pre-service teachers with the necessary competencies to teach mathematics and ICT effectively in the basic schools.
Recognizing the indispensability of technology in the educational landscape, Rev. Kotei emphasized the need for teachers to stay informed and up-to-date with technological advancements.
"The current educational trend cannot survive without technological advancement. In this era, everything revolves around technology. Therefore, teachers must stay abreast with it," he opined.
In his closing remarks, Mr. Daniel Kofi Nkum, the Chairman of the programme and Academics Officer for the college, expressed his gratitude to Professor Peter Akayuure for his enlightening and thought-provoking presentation on the topic, suggesting that he become a consultant for T-TEL and GES to guide the ongoing educational reforms.
"Prof, you should consider being a consultant to T-TEL and GES regarding the reforms they want to implement. You possess a wealth of knowledge that can be of great assistance," he suggested.
Mr. Nkum also encouraged the student-teachers to internalize and apply the knowledge gained from the symposium, as it would greatly benefit them in their future endeavors.
“As student- teachers here, we must be prepared for the future. We must be ready, as we have the skills, but we still need to learn more. If you don't have these skills yet, start learning them now for a brighter tomorrow,” he concluded.