• Teacher preparedness and exposure

Teachers require suitable training and development to be effective online/digital educators. It cannot be assumed that a good teacher in a traditional classroom will automatically be a good teacher in an online/digitally enabled classroom.

Attendees at the Regional ICT Summit will have the opportunity to participate in workshops, seminars, and training sessions, enhancing their digital literacy and teaching skills.

• Educational hardware and software (local content availability in Namibia)

The Summit will showcase and provide access to the latest user-friendly emerging technologies, including educational software, hardware, and digital tools, designed to enhance teaching and learning experiences. Further, a marketplace will be set up for technology companies to exhibit their products and services to potential clients.

• Digitalization, narrowing digital divide and leadership required

Digitalization has the potential to transform education by making it more inclusive and accessible. However, to narrow the digital divide, strong leadership is essential. Leaders must champion the integration of technology in education, ensure equitable access to digital tools and resources, and foster an environment where all students and educators can thrive. By prioritizing digital literacy and infrastructure, leaders can bridge gaps and create a more connected, innovative, and equitable educational landscape.

The summit will showcase insightful talks by distinguished leaders and experts in education, focusing on the pivotal roles of leadership and the best practices that can be adopted and adapted to enhance ICT integration in classrooms. Attendees will gain valuable knowledge and inspiration, learning from successful examples that can be emulated in their own educational environments to drive digital transformation and improve learning outcomes.

• Prevailing research and direction

The Executive Committee of the Ministry of Education, Arts & Culture, along with local academicians, educators, IT experts, service providers, and ICT-focused NGOs, will present papers on the latest trends in digitalizing basic education. This collaborative effort aims to enhance technology integration in classrooms, foster networking, create synergies, accelerate implementation, and establish a formal forum for promoting digitalization within the Ministry.

• Creating an ICT ecosystem to diversify infrastructure and advance digitalization in education

RISE 2024 would like to create a crucial ICT ecosystem to diversify infrastructure and advance digitalization in education, especially for rural areas, low-resource minorities, and marginalized communities. These groups often face significant challenges, such as limited access to technology and inadequate digital literacy. 

To address these issues, it is essential for various actors—including government bodies, educational institutions, private sector partners, and NGOs—to collaborate effectively. By working together, we can ensure that all schools have the necessary resources and support to thrive in a digital age, fostering an inclusive and equitable educational environment for all students. Let's do the digital transformation together - locally and sustainably!