Ghanaian Publishers Express Concerns Over Smart School Tablets Content
The President of the Ghana National Association of Authors and Publishers questions the quality of educational content on the tablets provided to students.
Ghanaian Publishers Question Content of Smart School Tablets
President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo recently spearheaded the launch of the Smart Schools Project in Accra, a groundbreaking initiative aiming to provide 1.3 million students in second-cycle institutions with tablets containing all their course materials. While this move towards integrating technology into education is commendable, John Amponsah, President of the Ghana National Association of Authors and Publishers, has raised significant concerns about the quality and comprehensiveness of the content on these tablets. During an interview on Abusua Nkommo at Abusua 96.5 FM, Amponsah voiced his skepticism regarding the effectiveness of these tablets as substitutes for traditional textbooks. He questioned how the Ghana Education Service managed to upload comprehensive content onto the tablets just two weeks after the release of a new curriculum by the National Council for Curriculum & Assessment. His doubts about the alignment of tablet content with the curriculum highlight potential shortcomings in this ambitious educational initiative.Amponsah emphasized the importance of educational materials being created based on the curriculum provided, rather than haphazardly compiled on electronic devices. He pointed out discrepancies between the content on these tablets and the actual curriculum, noting similarities to American educational content. This raises concerns about whether students are receiving locally relevant and contextually appropriate learning materials.
- Amponsah's skepticism underscores the need for thorough consultation with publishers and writers to ensure that educational content is tailored to meet the specific needs of Ghanaian students.
- The rushed production and implementation of tablet content may compromise the quality and relevance of the learning materials available to students, potentially hindering their academic progress.
Future Outlook and Call to Action
While acknowledging the government's efforts to introduce innovative educational technologies, Amponsah highlighted the risks this initiative poses to publishers who were not consulted in developing tablet content. He stressed the importance of collaboration between policymakers and publishers to create high-quality educational materials that align with national curricula.Despite his reservations about the current state of tablet content, Amponsah encouraged publishers to focus on diligently producing educational materials in anticipation of potential policy changes or shifts in governmental attitudes towards supporting local publishers. By staying proactive and committed to their craft, publishers can continue to play a vital role in shaping Ghana's educational landscape.
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