ABOUT MYECLASS
MY-ECLASS DIGITAL EDUCATION PROFILE
MY-ECLASS Digital Education Zimbabwe is a dynamic, secure, and flexible educational technology project that provides digital learning resources and activities for Primary and Secondary learners. The platform supports both synchronous and asynchronous learning across all levels.
The project was launched in June 2015 by teachers from Selborne Routledge School (Warren Park–Mabelreign District, Harare Province) and is now owned by nine educators based in Harare. In September 2020, it was officially recognised as a partner of the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education.
WHAT DROVE US
The need to improve access to quality education by all learners using one of the pillars of the updated curriculum, ICT, was the main driver behind this project.
This is in line with the vision of the updated curriculum framework as enunciated on page 4 where it says:
“The mandate of the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education is to provide a wholesome education for all Zimbabweans. The education system should also be accessible, affordable and enable citizens to participate in the socio-economic transformation of the nation.”
The other realities as outlined below that are making this vision hard to accomplish aided in the push to design this project.
DIGITAL GENERATION
It is very important to note that the current trend in education that has our digital generation of today (21st century) being taught using 19th century tools and culture is very counterproductive.
The learners don’t only find it boring carrying and reading thick volumes of hard copies and waiting for the teacher to mark all of their assignments, they are also robbed of their future by lacking digital skills that dominate contemporary industry.
It is very disturbing to find that grandmothers can use technology to do financial transactions daily while the school-going age cannot do the same with education — yet they are the ones more comfortable using ICT gadgets.
Natural Disasters and Climate Change Hazards
Cyclone Idai and the prevailing COVID-19 that have rendered provision of education through traditional means impossible have taught us to be always prepared as a nation.
The mushrooming of reactionary, unorganised experimental e-learning platforms is a testimony that a project of this nature is a need for our nation.
It is disheartening to think that in a scenario where the disaster is confined only to parts of the country (like Cyclone Idai or floods), no considerations for such are taken when it comes to national exams.
A programme like this stands ready as an alternative, and the government will find breathing space to deal with other humanitarian needs without placing too much worry on education.