Digital Learning Content: Solution to Continuity of Learning in Technical and Vocational Institutions in Kenya: A Practical Approach

Abstract

Teaching in all learning institutions globally has been radically affected by the new emerging world dispensation which has triggered learning institutions to think of viable and sustainable alternatives to continue learning. Specifically, the onset of the Corona Virus Disease of 2019(COVID- 19) pandemic has resulted to drastic repercussions in the education sector where most institutions were used to the traditional face to face modes of delivery. Consequently, COVID-19 resulted to closure of Schools, Technical and vocational education training (TVET) institutions and Universities on 15^th March 2020 affecting over 20 million children and youths as they were forced to remain at home. The implication of closure of the institutions increased vulnerability of youth due to being out of school and prolonged period of completion. The purpose of this paper is to develop a model that supports continuity of learning in technical and vocational institutions in Kenya. The study adopted a participatory approach as the framework for the methodolody. This was guided by: review of Literature on the status of developing digital learning model, develop the interactive digital learning content and coming up with a digital learning content model. Digital content for ten Diploma Level courses were used in this study.  Interviews of digital learning key informants and document analysis were used as the instruments for data collection. The proposed model was piloted at Mathioya technical and vocational college. The key finding of this study is that the proposed digital learning content model is practical in the technical institutions. The model can foster continuity of learning. The study also established that the trainers have inadequate skills in instructional design and hence not able to produce interactive content for learning. The study recommends continuous re-tooling and support for the trainers in the development of digital learning content in addition to   integrating the workplace-based learning in the implementation of the digital learning.