Oracle Introduces Java Fundamentals to Kenyan Teachers

Oracle Java Fundamentals For Kenya Teachers

As Java continues to gain strength in its 'write once, run anywhere' goal, Oracle and the Kenyan Ministry of Education are determined to spread this gospel among teachers. They launched a 5 - day Java Fundamentals course for Kenya Master ICT teachers from primary and secondary schools and staff of the Ministry of Education.

The Oracle Academy Java Fundamentals curriculum includes instructions in Java programming using the Alice and Greenfoot Integrated Development Environments. Java is a programming language and computing platform used by more than 9 million developers and more than 3 billion devices are powered by Java technology.

Alice is a free platform from Carnegie Mellon University designed to teach students object-oriented programming by engaging them in something fun--making animated movies and games. Through Alice, students gain experience with all the constructs typically addressed in an introductory programming course. However, because Alice presents programming as a means of storytelling, it attracts a much wider cross-section of students than conventional programming courses.

Gilbert Saggia, Country Director, Oracle Kenya says there is a need for ICT skills and development in Kenya in order to equip the next generation of entrepreneurs and business leaders.

The Ministry of Education is committed to support and drive ICT skills into schools through providing valuable, hands on training to the teachers. By introducing students at an early age to the world of technology, it opens up endless possibilities for technological innovation and economic growth. Alice is a freely available teaching tool designed to be a student's first exposure to object-oriented programming. This innovative programme will allow children from an early age to interact with technology, be innovative, and to create animated movies and video games.

"Oracle Academy is delighted to see this investment in computer science skills by the Ministry of Education to actively encourage teachers to participate in the Java Fundamentals training. For students this is the start of their journey up the computer science skills ladder, and potentially could lead to an interest in pursuing computer science further into school and higher education. The global IT skills gap is well documented and the commitment shown by the Ministry of Education to empower youth to gain early access to Java programming skills is visionary." Jane Richardson, Director, EMEA, Oracle Academy