Beyond Chalk and Talk: The Urgent Call for Technology-Driven Education in Tanzania By Hashim Ramadhani Mteile, RYC Ruangwa, Lindi

Technology refers to the innovation and application of human knowledge to bring about development in society. Examples include the use of computers, smartphones, and social media platforms such as Google, among others. Technology is now deeply intertwined with education globally, as it plays a significant role in both teaching and learning. For instance, schools utilize internet access, projectors, and computer labs to enhance the educational experience. These examples clearly demonstrate how modern education heavily depends on the use of technology. However, in Tanzania, the integration of technology in education remains limited despite the government's strategic efforts to promote its use in schools. A notable example is the introduction of smart classrooms. This situation was brought to light through data collected by the non-governmental organization Kuyenda Collective Advocacy, which conducted a school-based survey in late November and early December 2024 across three districts: Ruangwa, Mbogwe, and Mbeya DC. The findings revealed that access to educational technology, such as computers, internet services, and teaching projectors, is still very low. In fact, only about 1 in every 10 schools had these resources. This reflects the significant gap that still exists in Tanzania’s education system regarding the adoption of technology. Despite these challenges, the importance of technology in education cannot be overstated. It fosters creativity among students by providing access to platforms like Google, Facebook, and YouTube when used appropriately in the classroom. Technology also offers students exposure to tools and experiences they might not encounter otherwise, for example, electronic microscopes that are often unavailable in schools. Moreover, technology helps students find answers to questions through platforms such as Google, YouTube, and even WhatsApp groups. For teachers, it simplifies teaching by reducing strain using projectors and microphones. It also makes it easier to prepare, store, and share teaching materials using computers and the internet, especially platforms like Google. Given all these benefits, it's clear that education and technology are inseparable in today’s world. My Recommendations: As a youth advocate from Kuyenda Collective Advocacy in Tanzania, I urge the government to not only establish but also implement strong plans for enhancing the use of technology in schools. This includes investing in essential equipment like computers and projectors and increasing the national education budget, as these technologies are often expensive. I also recommend providing foundational education on the proper use of social media platforms such as Google, Facebook, and YouTube. Misuse of these platforms contributes to the erosion of societal values. Therefore, it is vital for communities, the government, and non-governmental organizations to work together to deliver digital literacy education, especially focusing on the responsible use of social media.