School Deploys E-Learning Technology In Lagos

A private primary school in Lagos State, Saint Saviour's School, Ebute-Metta, has deployed e-learning technology to provide quality education to the pupils of the school. The need to deploy the technology is in line with its vision to use innovative technology to drive education.Tagged 'LearnPad', the device is an exciting tablet computer built and designed by

Avantis, specifically for use in schools and the classroom.

The device is a touch sensitive tablet that provides a safe and simple way to access a vast range of e-learning content, including applications, websites and flash based activities, as well as videos, music, e-books, documents and other digital curriculum content, even as it is internet enabled.

Speaking at the LearnPad launch of the device, wife of Lagos State Governor and guest speaker, Mrs. Abimbola Fashola, expressed delight at the school's devotion to improve teaching and learning, adding that the state government has learnt from the giant strides of the school.

Fashola, who was represented by the State Commissioner for Education, Mrs. Olayinka Oladunjoye, said the state would look inward during the next budget to make provision for similar project to be replicated in government owned primary schools, stressing that the sate has always been supportive of educational enhancement through technology.

"This is a wonderful innovation and commendable I think should be replicate in our schools. As time goes on we will see how it goes. It is a thing about the budget which we have to look into," she said.

"We have a robust ICT plan for Lagos State, not just the schools. For instance, we have about 200 schools that are ICT compliant and we are developing them in phases. Each term, more schools are added. It is an ongoing process and cannot be done in a day," she added.

Fashola said the state still believes in the era of technology that is currently revolutionising teaching and learning and will buy into the St. Saviour's model.

Earlier in a welcome address, Chairman, board of management of the school, Mr. Tom Ogboi, said the school had faith with the vision of the founding fathers by maintaining high standards for which the school is known for, even as the academic records are unbeatable.

He said: "We are not beating our chest, but a beautiful legacy of 63 years is a great achievement. We were the first not-for profit school in Nigeria and we led the way and showed the light for other private primary schools to follow. Today, we can look back and say without equivocation that we have made a positive impact on education in Nigeria."

"In addition, we have also added a few other firsts. For instance, we were the very first primary school to be internet compliant. We were the very first to have computer laboratory. We were the first to have a science laboratory.

"We were the very first to teach ICT as a core subject in Nigeria. We are also the first to teach moral instruction as a core subject and music as a core subject. Our children sit for Trinity College London School of Music, London and they perform very well," Ogboi said.

Speaking further, he said: "What makes the LearnPad technology different is that it was developed by educationists and teachers for the pupils. It is like none other.

"The expert educationists and teachers have an understanding of the pupils and the classroom requirements and have gone ahead to develop this technology. Other systems were developed by scientists who do not have understanding of pupil and classroom environment requirement."