REVOLUTION: The role of technology integration in education is pivotal. PHOTO: CONTRIBUTED
REVOLUTION: The role of technology integration in education is pivotal. PHOTO: CONTRIBUTED

Maths, science and tech conference kicks off

Spotlight is on teacher professional development
The 32nd annual conference of the Southern African Association for Research in Mathematics, Science and Technology Education aims to encourage innovative research, foster interdisciplinary collaborations and propose evidence-based policy recommendations.
Junior Kapofi
Delegates from across borders have been warmly welcomed to Namibia, affectionately known as the Land of the Brave, for the 32nd annual conference of the Southern African Association for Research in Mathematics, Science, and Technology Education (SAARMSTE). The event is set to take place at the International University of Management (IUM).

Under the theme 'Rethinking Relevant Research in Mathematics, Science, and Technology Education for the Fourth Industrial Revolution', the conference aims to focus on crucial discussions that will shape the future of education in the southern African region.



Evolving systems

Deputy prime minister and minister of international relations, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, highlighted the pivotal role of mathematics, science and technology in the social and economic development of any nation, setting the stage for expectations from the global community.

In the face of the fourth industrial revolution, Nandi-Ndaitwah emphasised the necessity for educational systems to evolve. Traditional teaching methods are deemed insufficient, urging a shift towards interdisciplinary approaches fostering creativity, critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

"As educators and researchers, it is our responsibility to pave the way for a future generation equipped to tackle the challenges of tomorrow," stressed Nandi-Ndaitwah.



Adapting to a new world

The workforce demands proficiency in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) subjects, coupled with adaptability to rapid changes. The call for focused research and deep understanding of communities echoes the urgency to address disparities in STEM education.

The challenges outlined encompass insufficient access to quality education, a shortage of qualified teachers, and obstacles hindering the development of critical thinking and problem-solving skills in science education. The conference seeks collaborative efforts to modernise laboratory infrastructure, update curricula and promote hands-on learning experiences.

In addressing the swiftly evolving technological landscape, Nandi-Ndaitwah stressed the need for a collective effort to provide equitable access to technology, integrate digital literacy into curricula and establish mechanisms for continuous skill development.



Continuous development

The conference aims to encourage innovative research, foster interdisciplinary collaborations and propose evidence-based policy recommendations to governments and educational institutions.

The spotlight is on teacher professional development, with an emphasis on continuous improvement to adapt to evolving educational landscapes.

The role of technology integration in education is pivotal, and discussions around best practices for bridging the digital divide and leveraging technology for personalised learning are anticipated. The conference is set to facilitate global collaboration, aiming to establish partnerships and collaborations among institutions, researchers and educators globally.

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Allgemeine Zeitung 2024-05-04

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Premier League: Luton Town 1 vs 1 Everton | Chelsea 2 vs 0 Tottenham Hotspur LaLiga: Getafe 0 vs 2 Athletic Club SerieA: Torino 0 vs 0 Bologna Katima Mulilo: 13° | 32° Rundu: 12° | 31° Eenhana: 14° | 33° Oshakati: 15° | 32° Ruacana: 16° | 33° Tsumeb: 15° | 30° Otjiwarongo: 13° | 29° Omaruru: 12° | 31° Windhoek: 12° | 27° Gobabis: 15° | 28° Henties Bay: 15° | 21° Wind speed: 28km/h, Wind direction: S, Low tide: 06:39, High tide: 12:59, Low Tide: 18:48, High tide: 01:14 Swakopmund: 15° | 17° Wind speed: 34km/h, Wind direction: S, Low tide: 06:37, High tide: 12:57, Low Tide: 18:46, High tide: 01:12 Walvis Bay: 16° | 24° Wind speed: 39km/h, Wind direction: S, Low tide: 06:37, High tide: 12:56, Low Tide: 18:46, High tide: 01:11 Rehoboth: 13° | 28° Mariental: 16° | 31° Keetmanshoop: 16° | 31° Aranos: 14° | 29° Lüderitz: 15° | 27° Ariamsvlei: 15° | 32° Oranjemund: 13° | 22° Luanda: 24° | 28° Gaborone: 14° | 28° Lubumbashi: 12° | 26° Mbabane: 14° | 30° Maseru: 10° | 24° Antananarivo: 11° | 23° Lilongwe: 15° | 28° Maputo: 18° | 31° Windhoek: 12° | 27° Cape Town: 14° | 19° Durban: 19° | 26° Johannesburg: 15° | 25° Dar es Salaam: 22° | 28° Lusaka: 15° | 28° Harare: 13° | 28° Currency: GBP to NAD 23.17 | EUR to NAD 19.9 | CNY to NAD 2.54 | USD to NAD 18.5 | DZD to NAD 0.14 | AOA to NAD 0.02 | BWP to NAD 1.31 | EGP to NAD 0.38 | KES to NAD 0.14 | NGN to NAD 0.01 | ZMW to NAD 0.67 | ZWL to NAD 0.04 | BRL to NAD 3.64 | RUB to NAD 0.2 | INR to NAD 0.22 | USD to DZD 133.95 | USD to AOA 834.06 | USD to BWP 13.64 | USD to EGP 47.9 | USD to KES 133.98 | USD to NGN 1379 | USD to ZAR 18.5 | USD to ZMW 27.1 | USD to ZWL 321 | Stock Exchange: JSE All Share Index 76428.31 Up +0.50% | Namibian Stock Exchange (NSX) Overall Index 1700.24 Up +0.45% | Casablanca Stock Exchange (CSE) MASI 13403.47 Up +0.61% | Egyptian Exchange (EGX) 30 Index 26113.71 Up +6.81% | Botswana Stock Exchange (BSE) DCI Same 0 | NSX: MTC 7.75 SAME | Anirep 8.99 SAME | Capricorn Investment group 17.34 SAME | FirstRand Namibia Ltd 49 DOWN 0.50% | Letshego Holdings (Namibia) Ltd 4.1 UP 2.50% | Namibia Asset Management Ltd 0.7 SAME | Namibia Breweries Ltd 31.49 UP 0.03% | Nictus Holdings - Nam 2.22 SAME | Oryx Properties Ltd 12.1 UP 1.70% | Paratus Namibia Holdings 11.99 SAME | SBN Holdings 8.45 SAME | Trustco Group Holdings Ltd 0.48 SAME | B2Gold Corporation 47.34 DOWN 1.50% | Local Index closed 677.62 UP 0.12% | Overall Index closed 1534.6 DOWN 0.05% | Osino Resources Corp 19.47 DOWN 2.41% | Commodities: Gold US$ 2 301.81/OZ DOWN -0.0011 | Copper US$ 4.53/lb UP +1.46% | Zinc US$ 2 924.30/T DOWN -0.08% | Brent Crude Oil US$ 83.49/BBP DOWN -0.0105 | Platinum US$ 955.87/OZ UP +0.28% Sport results: Premier League: Luton Town 1 vs 1 Everton | Chelsea 2 vs 0 Tottenham Hotspur LaLiga: Getafe 0 vs 2 Athletic Club SerieA: Torino 0 vs 0 Bologna Weather: Katima Mulilo: 13° | 32° Rundu: 12° | 31° Eenhana: 14° | 33° Oshakati: 15° | 32° Ruacana: 16° | 33° Tsumeb: 15° | 30° Otjiwarongo: 13° | 29° Omaruru: 12° | 31° Windhoek: 12° | 27° Gobabis: 15° | 28° Henties Bay: 15° | 21° Wind speed: 28km/h, Wind direction: S, Low tide: 06:39, High tide: 12:59, Low Tide: 18:48, High tide: 01:14 Swakopmund: 15° | 17° Wind speed: 34km/h, Wind direction: S, Low tide: 06:37, High tide: 12:57, Low Tide: 18:46, High tide: 01:12 Walvis Bay: 16° | 24° Wind speed: 39km/h, Wind direction: S, Low tide: 06:37, High tide: 12:56, Low Tide: 18:46, High tide: 01:11 Rehoboth: 13° | 28° Mariental: 16° | 31° Keetmanshoop: 16° | 31° Aranos: 14° | 29° Lüderitz: 15° | 27° Ariamsvlei: 15° | 32° Oranjemund: 13° | 22° Luanda: 24° | 28° Gaborone: 14° | 28° Lubumbashi: 12° | 26° Mbabane: 14° | 30° Maseru: 10° | 24° Antananarivo: 11° | 23° Lilongwe: 15° | 28° Maputo: 18° | 31° Windhoek: 12° | 27° Cape Town: 14° | 19° Durban: 19° | 26° Johannesburg: 15° | 25° Dar es Salaam: 22° | 28° Lusaka: 15° | 28° Harare: 13° | 28° Economic Indicators: Currency: GBP to NAD 23.17 | EUR to NAD 19.9 | CNY to NAD 2.54 | USD to NAD 18.5 | DZD to NAD 0.14 | AOA to NAD 0.02 | BWP to NAD 1.31 | EGP to NAD 0.38 | KES to NAD 0.14 | NGN to NAD 0.01 | ZMW to NAD 0.67 | ZWL to NAD 0.04 | BRL to NAD 3.64 | RUB to NAD 0.2 | INR to NAD 0.22 | USD to DZD 133.95 | USD to AOA 834.06 | USD to BWP 13.64 | USD to EGP 47.9 | USD to KES 133.98 | USD to NGN 1379 | USD to ZAR 18.5 | USD to ZMW 27.1 | USD to ZWL 321 | Stock Exchange: JSE All Share Index 76428.31 Up +0.50% | Namibian Stock Exchange (NSX) Overall Index 1700.24 Up +0.45% | Casablanca Stock Exchange (CSE) MASI 13403.47 Up +0.61% | Egyptian Exchange (EGX) 30 Index 26113.71 Up +6.81% | Botswana Stock Exchange (BSE) DCI Same 0 | NSX: MTC 7.75 SAME | Anirep 8.99 SAME | Capricorn Investment group 17.34 SAME | FirstRand Namibia Ltd 49 DOWN 0.50% | Letshego Holdings (Namibia) Ltd 4.1 UP 2.50% | Namibia Asset Management Ltd 0.7 SAME | Namibia Breweries Ltd 31.49 UP 0.03% | Nictus Holdings - Nam 2.22 SAME | Oryx Properties Ltd 12.1 UP 1.70% | Paratus Namibia Holdings 11.99 SAME | SBN Holdings 8.45 SAME | Trustco Group Holdings Ltd 0.48 SAME | B2Gold Corporation 47.34 DOWN 1.50% | Local Index closed 677.62 UP 0.12% | Overall Index closed 1534.6 DOWN 0.05% | Osino Resources Corp 19.47 DOWN 2.41% | Commodities: Gold US$ 2 301.81/OZ DOWN -0.0011 | Copper US$ 4.53/lb UP +1.46% | Zinc US$ 2 924.30/T DOWN -0.08% | Brent Crude Oil US$ 83.49/BBP DOWN -0.0105 | Platinum US$ 955.87/OZ UP +0.28%