microsoft
A total of 24 lecturers from various universities have completed the Microsoft Africa Development Centre’s (ADC) intensive training initiative, developed in partnership with Microsoft Leap.
The second batch included Zetech University, Kabarak, Multimedia University, Jomo Kenyatta, and St Paul’s University.
Others include Jomo Kenyatta University, Strathmore University, USIU, Dedan Kimathi University of Technology and Meru University.
“We are delighted that all 24 lecturers who started the programme have completed it, as it aims to enhance the teaching and research skills of lecturers as the world seeks to do more with the power of artificial intelligence,” said Irene Githinji, Education Engagements Lead at Microsoft ADC.
The 12-week programme established a new faculty skill set called AI, reflecting the growing importance of generative technology in everyday life, including the classroom.
The programme also covered the fundamentals of software engineering and 21st century learning design, using a project-based learning methodology that enabled participating staff to earn Microsoft certifications.
Throughout the program, teachers were given projects that incorporated AI, software engineering principles, and current learning designs, giving them a better understanding of how a development team works in practice.
This culminated in a project competition in which the professors had to create a solution that required knowledge of software development principles, artificial intelligence, and software engineering considerations.
Peter Muturi, a programming lecturer at Multimedia University and a graduate of the faculty upskilling project, advocated for the use of technology in teaching and learning across all disciplines.
“Through the curriculum, we discovered what the industry is seeking. It has made us realize that we may not have effectively prepared students for the present market needs. It has shown us that we need to cooperate with AI to boost our productivity as lecturers and that of our students, rather than looking at it as competition,” stated Muturi.
