Dr. Kingsley Agyemang, the Registrar of the Ghana Scholarships Secretariat, has tasked teacher trainees to take advantage of the digital era, and cultivate a broad array of skills, surpassing the traditional scope of teaching competencies.
He made the call while delivering his keynote address at the opening ceremony of the Teacher Trainees Association of Ghana’s 28th Annual Delegates’ Congress in Koforidua.
Dr. Kingsley added that embracing new technology would help the trainees navigate the intricacies of contemporary classrooms, and aptly prepare students for the vicissitudes and prospects of the 21st century.
Changes in education, driven by technology, have made the teaching and learning process more dynamic and immersive, he noted. Technological innovations that enhance learning environments include virtual reality experiences, instructional software, online collaborative tools, and interactive whiteboards.
Integration of technology
He said the integration of technology into teacher education underscores the necessity of preparing educators who are not only adept in their disciplines but also skilled in navigating the digital terrain.
“This necessitates a curriculum that is adaptive to the evolving technological landscape, equipping teacher trainees with the competencies to effectively utilize digital tools in their teaching and learning endeavours,” he added.
Dr. Agyemang further acknowledged the role of stakeholders in education, including government entities, educational institutions and non-governmental organizations, and their role in ensuring that teacher education aligns with current exigencies while being equipped to address future challenges.
He stated that their involvement in the development of educational infrastructure significantly enhances the stature and efficacy of teacher education colleges nationwide.
He particularly stressed the pivotal role of the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund) in this aspect, especially in initiating numerous infrastructure projects designed to diminish the disparity between teacher education institutions and their tertiary counterparts.
Dr. Agyemang again emphasized the role of teacher trainees in sports, citing the recent feat of Ghana’s high jumper, Evans Cadman, in the African Games.
He said: “For instance, the recent achievement of Ghanaian high jumper Evans Yamoah Cadman, who clinched gold at the All African Games, exemplifies the successful nurturing of sports talent within our educational framework, particularly by physical education teachers.”