KICD collaborates with CASIO Middle East to improve learner competency

The collaboration aims to motivate students to learn mathematics and the usage of technological tools such as a scientific calculator to improve their performance and boost their chances in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) careers.

The resources are aligned with KICDs Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) program, and they consist of tutorials that show simplified and interactive operations of the scientific calculator.

The materials are accessible on the KICD website in the open educational resources section under introduction to CASIO fx-82EX calculator. The CASIO fx-82EX calculator or ‘ClassWiz’ is an upgraded version of the fx-82MS model which is popular among secondary school students.

The newer version is KICD approved for use in secondary and higher education levels, and it displays input and results as seen in text books to make operation easier. 

“Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) focuses majorly on the acquisition of knowledge, skills, attitudes and values. It also focuses on the acquisition of knowledge and skills in solving real-life problems," said Prof Charles O. Ong’ondo, Director/ Chief Executive Officer, Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development.

. The CASIO Scientific Calculators (fx-82EX) are user friendly and can help learners to a great extend especially at the tertiary level of education. They can contribute a lot in facilitating teachers and learners who handle the STEM subjects.”

Materials developed include a digital emulator that demonstrates how the calculator can be used to solve mathematical problems in fractions, powers, algorithms, mathematical formulas among others with ease. The emulator integrates technology into the classroom and promotes interactive learning. 

Mr Takashi Seimiya, Managing Director, CASIO Middle East said: “CASIO believes in the importance of learning mathematics. Mathematics is the base for all subjects because it plays a crucial role in understanding them, making it important to understand. We actively support teachers and students so that they can achieve better mathematical education using a scientific calculator."

He added: "By integrating technology like scientific calculators in learning the subject, students spend more time understanding concepts that can then be applied in different scenarios and improve their mathematics abilities.”

In Nigeria, CASIO Middle East facilitates learning through CASIO Lab in conjunction with the Lagos State Ministry of Education to support teachers training efforts and enhance the learning of mathematics.

In Kenya, collaborative support is being provided to educators and learners through availing educational materials for math which can also be accessed on the KICD open resource platform. 

Mr Pratik Shah, Director, Sangyug Enterprises Limited said: “We are delighted to partner with CASIO in Kenya to make available these scientific calculators to learners. The model is set to improve students experience and hopefully keep them more engaged. It comes with a high-resolution LCD technology and visualized formulas that make calculations faster.”