The DBE has, to date, successfully digitized all the available state-owned learning resources developed by the Learning and Teaching Support Material (LTSM) Directorate. Mr Henry Kavuma, Chief Education Specialist in the MST, Curriculum Innovation and e-Learning Directorate, indicated that all the digitized content resources are available in PDF, e-Pub and in HTML5 format and are listed in an e-Catalogue at https://dbecloud.org.za/local/pages/?id=3

“The resource is also stored offline on a single repository content server donated by 2Enable Pty,” Mr Kavuma said, and added that, “State-owned content resources are developed by the LTSM Directorate for printing and thereafter digitized by the MST, Curriculum Innovation and e-Learning Directorate to make them accessible via digital end-user devices such as laptops, tablets, smartphones and various online platforms. The LTSM Directorate is currently in the process of developing a number of content resources which include Grades 10 – 12 Business Studies textbooks; Grades 8 and 9 Mathematics Content Booklets; ECD resources; and the review of Grades 4 – 9 Mathematics Workbooks. The digitization of these content resources will only commence once the curriculum alignment has been verified by the relevant subject specialists. The content digitization process is expensive and heavily dependent on private sponsorships”.

Mr Kavuma indicated that the development of content resources for high-enrolment subjects has been prioritized to provide adequate support to many learners. He further stated that the digitization of GET content resources will also be taken into consideration to strengthen the acquisition of requisite foundational knowledge and skills of learners.

“The process of digitizing educational content resources can be greatly strengthened through the allocation of adequate funding and building of internal DBE capacity by establishing a dedicated digital content resource unit equipped with skilled content developers such as the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD). The advent of COVID-19 has highlighted the centrality of digital content in supporting learning outside the confines of a physical classroom. The pandemic has also served as a catalyst for transformation in the way learners access content resources, communicate and learn, as well as the way teachers teach using new pedagogies centred around the use of technology and digital content. This implies that projects such as the digitization of educational content resources need urgent attention to ensure that blended learning is supported as the preferred mode of modern teaching and learning practices,” added Mr Kavuma.