Samsung unveils Smart School at Starehe Boys’ Centre and School

Samsung Electronics East Africa has partnered with Starehe Boys’ Centre and School to launch the Samsung Smart School Solution, as part of an initiative that seeks to promote the use of technology to enhance learning in schools.

The Samsung Smart School Solution is an integrated platform consisting of learning software and real-time content sharing features that provide an opportunity for interactive engagement for both teachers and students.

The technology allows teachers to share syllabus-approved content as well as keep track of a wide variety of information on the learners’ screens, while each student is able to enjoy a rich digital learning experience by accessing the same information that is being communicated by the teacher or other learners.

Speaking during the launch of the pilot project Samsung Electronics Vice President and MD, Mr. Jung Hyung Park, said the Smart School Solution was designed to increase learner engagement by making learning both interactive and fun.

“The Samsung Smart School Solution is our vision of the classroom of the future, where students receive instruction in a manner that not only makes it easier for them to digest information, but that earns their attention and therefore raises the retention rate,” said Mr. Park. “By bringing interactive technology to the classroom we are creating a fun and exciting learning environment, which has been proven to make learners perform better in and out of class.”

“In recognition of that fact that a lot of teachers and students in urban areas are already tech-savvy thanks to the widespread use of mobile phones and computers, we’ve created a learning solution that provides real-time access to information while reducing the need to carry multiple books and writing materials to class,” added Mr. Park.

First introduced to Africa in 2012, the Smart School Solution has been credited with limiting distractions in class, enhancing learner engagement, promoting higher learning retention, as well as creating a more stimulating academic environment by combining easy-to-use devices – such as the Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 and the E-board – with dynamic content.

“We are pleased to be partnering with Samsung to bring technology to schools, an initiative that is in line with Government efforts to promote the use of learning technology,” said Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of ICT, Dr. Fred Matiang’i. “By modernizing education in collaboration with the private sector, we expect to develop well-rounded individuals by equipping them with the basic skills required to thrive in the modern world.”

Using digital instruction in classrooms has emerged as a solution to dwindling learner engagement, as traditional methods of teaching are slowly replaced by modern technology such as computers, laptops, tablets and smart electronic boards.

“As a centre of excellence since our inception in 1959, Starehe Boys’ Centre and School is proud be the first to pilot this project, which we intend to use to expose our students to ICT and technology,” said Mr. Mathew Kithyaka, the school’s Director. “We have both the students and the teachers eager to have this solution integrated in their learning.”

The launch of the Samsung Smart School Solution comes a year after Samsung launched the country’s first Solar Powered Internet School at Arap Moi Primary School in Kajiado County, as part of a wider initiative to support Kenya’s education system by providing sustainable learning technology.