Smart classrooms offer solution to teacher shortage

KIBAHA: THE government has been urged to expand smart classrooms across the country, with the technology seen as a potential solution to teacher shortages by enabling one qualified teacher to reach thousands of students in different schools at the same time.

The call was made by Kibaha Municipal Council Mayor Dr Nicas Mawazo during the launch of a smart classroom at Bundikani Secondary School in Kibaha district, where he said digital teaching platforms could help improve access to quality education.

Dr Mawazo explained that the live teaching system would allow schools connected to the network to receive lessons from highly qualified teachers, particularly in subjects where there are shortages of specialised educators.

“This system is effective in addressing the challenge of teacher shortages because one teacher can teach students in all schools connected to the smart classroom network at the same time,” he affirmed.

He explained that the technology would not only increase access to skilled teachers but also ensure that quality lessons reach more students regardless of their location.

Dr Mawazo added that lessons delivered through the system could be recorded and reused, allowing more learners to benefit from the same quality educational content over time.

He said teachers selected to conduct smart classroom lessons are experienced educators whose knowledge and expertise would help improve students’ academic performance and prepare them for a technology-driven world.

Meanwhile, Acting Kibaha Municipal Council Director Mrisho Mlela said the council would continue investing in smart classrooms as part of efforts to strengthen the education sector.

He said the council had already channelled resources into education development, including the construction of three English-medium schools using internally generated revenue and the production of 4,000 desks, chairs and tables for primary and secondary schools.

At Bundikani Secondary School, Headmaster Bernard Muyenjwa welcomed the introduction of their smart classroom, saying it would make teaching more effective while reducing pressure on teachers.

According to him, the system would expose students to modern learning approaches and provide them with skills needed to compete in an increasingly digital society.