As part of the Kenyatta University-Syracuse University Partnership Project, two faculty members and a graduate student from Syracuse University conducted training for all faculty members of the Department of Educational Communication and Technology at Kenyatta University during the first two weeks of June focused on technology skills, with an emphasis on integration of technology in teaching. Associate Professor Alan Foley led the training; Professor Joanna Masingila and graduate student Yan Huang assisted Prof. Foley. The training sessions were designed to meet the faculty members at their current technology skill and comfort level and support them in developing proficiency in contemporary and emerging educational technologies.
Training sessions covered topics on (1) basic technology (assistance with any email, word processing, navigation questions), (2) pick-a-topic (assistance with any technology topic), (3) technology integration in teacher education (engaging participants in integrating technology into teacher education teaching and supporting teachers in using technology), (4) using tablet technology in instruction (engaging participants in using iPads in teaching teachers and supporting their teaching of students), (5) developing a web presence in online teaching and learning (establishing profiles in Google Scholar and Academia.edu to create an online identity and connect with researchers and teacher educators across the world in areas of interest), (6) Universal Design (engaging participants in using the Universal Design framework to make learning as accessible as possible for all students), (7) online learning (strategies and techniques for creating a social presence in online learning), and (8) creating accessible media for use in teaching (engaging participants in creating materials that will support all learners in their classes). The workshop sessions consisted of a balance of presentation and hands-on learning.
Training participants included Department of Educational Communication and Technology faculty members, as well as staff members from the Library, the Department of Special Education and the National ICT Innovation and Integration Centre. Project members also conducted an initial assessment of several spaces in the department for planning for design for a digital classroom and flexible learning space.
