KICD Authorize Kenya’s First school Coding Syllabus

KICD Authorize Kenya’s First school Coding SyllabusThe government has authorized a new coding curriculum for primary and secondary schools.Coding, often known as programming, is the process of converting human intentions into orders that computers can comprehend. Computers would be worthless without it.According to Prof Charles Ong’ondo, chief executive officer of the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD), coding is a practical thinking exercise that allows youngsters to explore, develop, and solve issues.“In the past, coding was conceived as a high-level activity yet children can start engaging in early learning levels,” he said.Kodris Africa, an online publishing organization that specializes in teaching learners with 21st-century abilities such as creative problem solving and algorithmic thinking beginning at the primary level, will provide the curriculum in Kenya.“The content … was quality assured and approved. The conditions for utilisation will be included in the list of approved Digital Curriculum Support materials,” reads the letter seen by The Standard.Prof Ong’ondo approved Kodris Africa’s application in a letter dated April 19.“We are talking to telcos, banks and other partners for the rollout,” Prof Ong’ondo said.Kenya is the first African country to approve such a curriculum. Kodris will provide the curriculum in an additional 48 African countries.Kenyan pupils join a growing list of global heavyweights such as the United States, England, Finland, France, Turkey, Germany, and Israel in making programming a core subject from elementary school.The KICD clearance comes only days after ICT Cabinet Secretary Joe Mucheru announced the Kenya National Digital Master Plan 2022-32.The roadmap directs the ICT sector’s efforts to accelerate socioeconomic progress.According to Mugumo Munene, CEO of Kodris Africa, coding as a subject of study is in keeping with the government’s attempts to promote technology use under President Uhuru Kenyatta’s digital literacy initiative, which was established in 2016.He claims that the curriculum will put students on an equal level with those from wealthy countries.“In a heavily computerised and digital world, a skill set in computer science has become a necessity,” Mr Munene said.He went on to say that the rollout strategy will be carried out in collaboration with key education stakeholders.“When students learn to code they can become producers in this 21st century digital age rather than merely consume what is created by others.”The Kodris Africa syllabus is designed for primary and lower secondary school students, has a user-friendly interface, and can be taught by any schoolteacher.“A teacher does not need a background in STEM or ICT to teach coding with the Kodris curriculum,” Mr Munene explained.The CEO went on to state that Kodris is in negotiations with Rwanda and Uganda about launching the classes in their respective nations.For students and licensed teachers, the online platform includes a learner’s handbook.“Kodris Africa is ideally suited to providing algorithmic thinking, design, and analytics."ALSO READ:The Kodris course will be delivered to students via a Pearson-accredited interactive online studio.KICD Authorize Kenya’s First school Coding Syllabus

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