• Banda launches XVD technology at the University of Zambia
• Zambia’s Education minister calls for more investment in Information Communication Technology

Some 1700 experts from 78 countries worldwide are gathered in Lusaka for a three-day e-Learning Africa international conference.

The continent’s main event on technology-enhanced learning for development, education and training was officially opened on Thursday by Zambian Vice-President George Kunda who highlighted the importance of Information Communication Technology (ICT) in provision of education.

Various presentations are being made on important topics such as open educational resources, mobile learning, teacher development and other aspects to enhance eLearning, at the conference that will end on Friday.

Zambia’s Education Minister Ms Dora Siliya called for more investment in ICT development as a tool for education.

“It is hoped that in Zambia eLearning will address the challenges of limited human development in general and in particular the attainment of Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) as well as matters of access, equity and participation in education and the economy,” said Ms Siliya.

Best leverage

President Rupiah Banda on Wednesday launched the XVD technology, the first ever in the world, at the University of Zambia (UNZA) to be used for eLearning.

The XVD technology, implemented by Alliance Forum Foundation of Japan, will provide unprecedented communications link among UNZA, the Copperbelt University (CBU) and various varsities in Japan.

It will enable lecturers at the varsities conduct academic sessions through a communication link.

“I am told this technology is highly versatile; it can be readily deployed not only in urban areas but also in remote areas for the purpose of delivering education,” said President Banda.

Education is fundamental to the development of individuals, which translates into national development. It is the best leverage for social progress one can be accorded in life.”

Among countries participating at the conference include Algeria, Botswana, Cameroon, Kenya, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, China, Cameroon, Canada, South Africa, USA, Nigeria, Japan, Sweden, Uganda, Zimbabwe and host Zambia.