Teachers need digital skills for the future, experts say

“Ed-Tech companies must strive or find ways to break barriers of access and affordability for teachers to be attracted to personal development. They must go the extra mile to provide incentives for teachers to access professional development, either by offering job opportunities for those who passed through them, or making them available to those who value quality teachers,”‘ Kayode said.

He stated further that those stakeholders must begin to work together to bring about systemic change in the teaching profession by ensuring that both recruitment process and the training for teachers are revamped.

Also speaking, Abiola said 21st century teachers must be intentional and conscious about their personal development, adding that leveraging the use of technology would not only make learning enriching to students but also aid the teaching process.

“Teachers have to be intentional about learning regardless of the many opportunities available. You cannot give what you do not have. Before you can inculcate the digital knowledge in your students, you must be versed in digital skills. As a teacher, you must continue to equip yourself through professional learning digital courses. These skills are needed in lessons and delivery,” Abiola said.

She urged concerned stakeholders to play their part by organising as many training opportunities as possible for teachers, reducing the cost of internet connectivity such that, in time, teachers are able to support learners for the future of work.