Abstract
The chapter assesses the state of digital technology in Africa as a catalyst for economic growth and development. The chapter also appraises the state of higher education on the continent in order to determine its preparedness to produce professionals who can function in a digital economy. A number of technological diffusion models which include diffusion of innovation (DIO), theory of reasoned action, and technology adoption model (TAM) were used to explore the diffusion of innovation to Africa from developed countries. Although there is a rapid growth in technological penetration in Africa impacting sectors such as agriculture, education, and finance, more investment in technology is still needed to power strides towards optimum levels of economic development. Africa, with its rapidly growing population and ever expanding market, is perceived as the next economic frontier after Asia. Higher education through curriculum models such as Education 5.0 can lead the way to make Africa the next economic frontier.
TopBackground
Africa has 54 countries and the landmass is greater than that of China, India,adjoining states to US, and the large part of Europe combined (Giallauraskis, 2023).Giallauraskis (2023) postulated that by 2025, the utilisation of smartphones in Africa is predicted to double by 2025. It is also anticipated that the population of Africa will expand from the current 1,2 billion to 1,7 billion people by 2030. Africa is also experiencing rapid urbanisation and it is predicted that 50% of the population will be residing in urban areas by 2030.
Diestro (2022) averred that the outbreak of the COVID 19 pandemic was associated with new learning modes and pedagogies. Education 5.0 is not merely focussing on ensuring that each learner has access to a gadget that has access to internet, but preparation of learners to function in diverse social and geographical context and to be able to display holistic development. The priority of the education 5.0 is to ensure that the correct pedagogical approaches are utilised that are intended to inspire creativity and motivate learners to learners.
The evolution of educational technology reflects the dynamic nature of the educational system (Wuta,2023;Alharbi,2023).Technological innovations have been conceptualised as evolving in five key stages that include Education 1.0, up to Education 5.0, which is the contemporary focus on education. Alharbi (2023) noted that education 1.0 was the first educational experience which was marked by rote learning, a uniform approach to teaching for all learners, passive learning and absence of technology in teaching. Education 2.0 which superceded Education 2.1 had attributes such as active learning, and constricted use of technology. Education 3.0 is demarcated by complete technological integration, learning engagements that support collaboration and active learning, proactive learning and primacy of student learning. Education 4.0 was marked by a preponderance of the use of technology in education. Education 4.0 was also distinctive of the use of Artificial Intelligence in industry,use of robbotics and interactive technology that promoted learning.
The current way of thinking is encapsulated by Education 5.0, which advocate personalised learning experiences and where administrators, educators, learners are all actively involved in the learning experience. Education 5.0 is summed up Alharbi as constitutive of:
Key Terms in this Chapter
Sustaining Technologies: These are technologies that have the capacity to make business practice better but do not lead to completely new products.
Disruptive Technologies: Technologies that are adopted by firms which are cheaper, easy to use and adaptable and have potential to transform business practices in a radical way.
Inclusion: A policy that ensures that all people are a part of a policy, project or programme.
Disrupt: To disturb processes or practices in affirm in a way that brings about radical changes and new services or products.
Latency: When using a computer, the delay that occurs before a transfer of data occurs.
eLearning: Digital platforms that are used to support learning in a virtual or face to face session
Innovation: A new or novel idea, device or strategy for doing business