EXPERTS HIGHLIGHT THE IMPORTANCE OF 4G INTERNET IN TRANSFORMING EDUCATION IN ZANZIBAR

E-learning expert and a lecturer, Dr. Venance Kalumanga from the Mwalimu Nyerere Memorial Academy Zanzibar (MNMA) speaks to University students on the importance of 4G internet in transforming the education sector in the Islands during the workshop organized by Zantel recently.

Zanzibar - Different experts in education sector have highlighted the importance of 4G internet in improving teaching and learning environment if it was effectively utilized especially in the current digital World.

Arguably, the spread of Covid-19 has shown the power of the internet in transforming different aspects of life, education being one of them through adoption of online classes when the facilities were closed.

This was unveiled during the workshop organized by Zantel to discuss about the importance of 4G internet in transforming education sector in the Islands brought together university students, lecturers, and government officials at Taasisi hall in Vuga.

Speaking on behalf of the Head of Zantel Zanzibar, Zantel’s Brand Manager Mr. David Maisori said that the workshop aimed at discussing deeply on how education stakeholders are using internet to their advantage to transform the sector.

“Zantel has done a huge job to ensure we have enough 4G infrastructures across Zanzibar. So far, we have more than 100 4G sites in both Unguja and Pemba Islands and we are continuing to extend 4G coverage. So it is up to students, teachers, lecturers, government, and all other stakeholders to utilize these infrastructures to their advantage,” he said.

He added that, students have more room to sharpen their skills through internet beyond what they learn in class if they will use it effectively.

“Understanding the needs of students, Zantel has a most affordable phone ‘SMARTA’ retailed at 39,999/- that supports 4G. Also, we have university offers that allows students to get more value in internet packages that can be used to study online and exchange information with others,” he marked.

The Director of ICTs from Ministry of Education and Vocational Trainings, Omari Saidi Ali said that the government has put in place efforts to ensure people get reliable access to communication services including the construction of National Optic Fibre broadband backbone and network towers.

“We have done a lot of efforts to ensure our country adopt the rapid growth of science and technology. Also, we have established different policies including e-government to enhance the use of internet in the country,”

He added “We all witnessed how Covid-19 forced closer of schools and universities in different countries but internet turned to be an important tool for teaching and learning, despite closer, learning was going on through online platforms, “he said.

Dr. Venance Kalumanga, lecturer from Mwalimu Nyerere University -Zanzibar urged that apart from learning online, students and youths can use internet for entrepreneurship to prepare themselves for self-employment after finishing studies.