The training kicked off with and opening ceremony with remarks by various speakers both from Kenya and Finland. Prof. Genevive Wanjala began the training with opening prayers that was followed by welcome remarks by Prof. Isaac Jumba, Dean, Faculty of Education. Remarks were also given by Prof. Julius Ogeng’o, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academic Affairs, University of Nairobi; Prof. Helen Mondoh Deputy Vice chancellor, Pwani University; Dr. David Njeng’ere, Chief Executive Officer, KNEC; Prof. Charles Ong’ondo, Chief Executive Officer, KICD; Dr. Nancy Macharia, Chief Executive Officer, TSC; Prof. Mwenda Ntarangwi, Chief Executive Officer, Commission for University Education; Prof. Stephen Kiama, Vice-chancellor, UoN and Amb. Simon Nabukwesi, Principal Secretary, State Department for University Education and Research. Seija Karppinen, the leader of the project, gave an overview of the project.
The objectives of the training were to support Kenyan teacher educators to understand the role of technology in higher education teaching to ensure successful implementation of competency based curriculum (CBC), apply different methodologies for planning and carrying out teaching and design and deliver a course for online/blended/classroom learning situation applying digital tools in a pedagogically appropriate way. To support the reaching of the objectives, the training consisted of introductions to the topics in the form of lectures together with workshops to give the participants a chance to collaborate and use the digital tools. In addition to the three intensive training days, the training continues with a 12 week distance learning period during which the participants will design and deliver an existing course and incorporate digital tools (e.g. those that they have learned about during the training) to support the learning experience.
The next and third training of trainers will take place in April 2022 when Kenyan teacher educators will dive into the world of pedagogical leadership and school management. The training will be organized together with the University of Nairobi and the University of Helsinki.