Competency-Based Education (CBE) is built on seven core competencies:
- Communication and Collaboration
- Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving
- Creativity and Imagination
- Citizenship
- Digital Literacy
- Learning to Learn
- Self-Efficacy
Among these, digital literacy stands out as an essential skill due to the rapid advancements in technology shaping our world.
Understanding Digital Literacy
Digital literacy involves using technology to search, evaluate, and share information effectively. It requires a blend of both technical and cognitive skills, enabling individuals to navigate the digital world with confidence.
In modern education, teachers play a crucial role in ensuring students develop digital literacy. As technology evolves rapidly, educators must stay ahead to provide relevant and meaningful learning experiences.
Embracing Change in Education
Just as outdated maps cannot guide travelers to new destinations, outdated teaching methods cannot equip students for the future. Educators must integrate the latest technological advancements into their teaching, ensuring students engage with innovations that shape today’s world.
For instance, groundbreaking developments such as M-Pesa and Artificial Intelligence should be part of the learning process, rather than focusing solely on historical innovations from the 17th to 19th centuries.
Moving Beyond Reinventing the Wheel
It is concerning to see students preoccupied with ‘inventing’ basic tools when far more advanced solutions already exist. Instead of reinventing the wheel, learners should be encouraged to build upon existing innovations and push the boundaries of technology further.
The goal of education should not be to replicate past successes but to refine and enhance them. Let us expose our learners to current technological trends, equipping them with the skills and knowledge to improve upon existing innovations.
Food for thought.
Githuki, 2025
