On Tuesday Econet launched Econet Zero, a follow-up package to their Ecoschools initiative. From what they have promised to deliver with it, every Econet broadband subscriber will have free access to over 50 websites that offer learning content.
For anyone keen on adopting a new skill or refining one that they already possess this presents an opportunity that is too big to ignore. Computer programming is one area that has been catered for through Econet Zero. Through zero rated access to seven different websites that offer instruction and assistance in coding, any broadband subscriber keen on picking up this core skill has been presented with a fair amount of resources to work with.
Looking at mature ecosystems such as the United States, there is a growing movement to make programming a central part of learning and development. This is largely because of its growing relevance in the digital age, as well as its importance in teaching critical thinking problem solving skills.
In October 2013, a non-profit organisation, Code.org, made news when it received support from a slew of tech heavyweights such as Mark Zuckerberg, Bill Gates, Reid Hoffman and Jack Dorsey as well as companies which included Yahoo, Dropbox, Zynga and Apple. Their initiative was to ensure that computer programming is introduced in all schools and that resources in the form of internet connectivity and equipment necessary to impart skills are made available. This was supported by a campaign called “Teach the Hour of Code” which is aimed at getting every student to learn basic skills in programming for an hour.
Judging from the direction that these leading players in technology are taking in gearing up for the future demands for coding skills it would benefit Zimbabwe if we tried adapt in the same way. A lot has to be done to support any drive to equip students and anybody else keen on picking up these skills with the right resources for this.
While praises are being showered on Econet for the step they have taken in providing free learning material, the task now lies with other stakeholders to take advantage of this opportunity. Learning institutions could perhaps work at structuring programs that introduce fundamental concepts in programming and logic.
The pairing of such programs together with free access to learning material from sites such as learnstreet.com and codeacademy.com would definitely give students the right entry into programming. Who knows, this just might have Zimbabwe moulding its own generation of tech wonder kids.
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7 comments
Econet should add github to the list haha.
That was a great initiative by econet. wish the other operators will follow suit.
True that this gonna change the game! But lets not forget that its not free forever. But still thumps up to econet
I find the heading of this article to be a little over-optimistic. most ‘kids’ these days are too busy trying to be hip-hop artists, if not too busy indulging in drugs or making babies.. while their education is put aside. there are a select few who are actually taking education seriously..
in my opinion, econet zero may actually end up being used more by the older crowd in zim who are looking to further their studies…as they have seen the realistic side of what it takes to get, and keep a good job these days
How can we benefit when the lectures themselves are not playable. I just checked out the MIT and Yale sites and i couldnt even play a single videos. So whats the use. Be serious econet.
But thanks for wikipedia. That was the bomb.
This is Rubbish,,,, Teach kids to code not to surf the WEB