The Secondary EduTab: the fun, easier way to learn sciences

What you need to know:

Going digital. Learning on a digital platform fosters students’ competitiveness because every aspect of the global market is now digitised and those who know how to manoeuvre it are best placed to succeed

After the success of the Edutab - a seven-inch android-based mini-touch screen tablet, boasting over 800 educational apps, videos and books aimed at revolutionising the way nursery and primary school pupils study – the team at TOD Idea has introduced the Secondary EduTab, for O and A levels students.
According to Shyaka Mbanda, the TOD Idea team leader, the Secondary EduTab was created with the aim of inspiring younger people in the country not just to use technology but to create it. To do so, TOD Idea wants to see more students pursuing sciences and actually being proficient in them.
Unlike the earlier version, the Secondary EduTab is loaded with Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Mathematics, Economics and Entrepreneurship apps; subjects currently poorly performed and yet are pivotal in the development of the country.
Most of the content on the EduTab, which boasts a seven-inch 7 inch – IPS screen, 1GB Ram, 8GB Rom, is in form of video tutorials provided by Salman Khan of the Khan Academy, the world’s largest online academy.
With super-fast internet, (4G LTE sim enabled) the EduTab is the ultimate research tool for the student, enabling them to practice and horn their vital 21st century research skills.

Proficient
Already, teachers, parents and pupils have welcomed the device which they say increases proficiency in the uploaded subjects which spurn the whole secondary school from Senior One to Senior Six.
“This is mostly due to excellent pedagogy - the principles and methods of instruction - but also because the student is able to learn at their own natural pace of understanding by pausing, rewinding and forwarding as they see fit. This makes for thorough understanding of the topics,” Jerome Ntege, a physics teacher says.
“It also enables flexible learning since these video tutorials are available to the student who owns the Secondary EduTab, they are able to learn anytime. Some students study better at night so this helps to study whenever they want wherever.”
This, Sarah Rukundu, a student, says helps her come to class prepared for the day’s lessons.
“I use my EduTab mostly during homework or prep. So when I come to class the next day, I am well versed with the topic. In class, the teacher helps me learn how to apply this knowledge to the real world challenges,” Rukundo, whose father paid Shs500,000 for her gadget, says.
Teachers too, can benefit from the EduTab.
Mr Ntege cites reduced teaching ‘burden’ and increased educational outcome. “Students are able to view videos and teach themselves, which could relieve the teacher up to 80 per cent of their time. It now means that more time is spent in class revising topics and question approaches,” he says. “Better understanding of the topics will result in better scores in national exams.”
Mbanda also believes that the Secondary Edutab will improve entrepreneurship.
“Improved educational outcomes from use of the EduTabs give rise to students who are able to apply what they have learnt to solve real world challenges. This ability to apply knowledge to societal challenges is the bedrock of entrepreneurship, to job creation and value,” he says.
Above all, the every student would like to own the Secondary EduTab because it motivates them to pay attention to learning.