A section of the STEMEIC conference participants.
Scholars at the 4th STEM International Conference at Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST) have emphasized the need for integration of technology to revolutionize the teaching and learning of STEM. The theme of the conference ‘The Interface between Digital Revolution and STEM: Navigating the New Frontiers,’ is perfectly aligned with the ongoing digital revolution across various fields of expertise. STEM disciplines are at the forefront of this revolution in driving innovation and paving the way for ground-breaking discoveries. The conference which kicked off on 15th November 2023 went on up to 17th November 2023.
The conference was officially opened by the Cabinet Secretary- Information, Communication and the Digital Economy Mr. Eliud Owalo. He pointed out that the conference brings into sharp focus the issue of navigating new frontiers in the digital revolution with special emphasis on Artificial Intelligence.
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The Cabinet Secretary- Information, Communication and the Digital Economy Mr. Eliud Owalo during the conference opening.
“In our ever-evolving world, information and communication technology (ICT) plays a pivotal role, penetrating all sectors of our global economy. The education sector both benefits from and contributes significantly to the development of ICT. At the Ministry, we recognize the importance of improving skills, a fundamental component of our ICT growth strategy. This virtual meeting is a practical demonstration of the great strides we are making in digital transformation and empowering of our institutions and the society,” he said.
Similarly, the event was attended by the Principal Secretary, State Department of University Education and Research- Dr. Beatrice Muganda Inyangala who urged the University Management to ensure that the curriculum remains in sync with the evolving needs of the industry. She encouraged the participants to embrace modern teaching techniques, invest in the professional development of our educators, and foster a culture that underscores the importance of STEM to remove enrollment barriers.
The Chairperson of the Council, Dr. Pamela Sitienei makes a virtual presentation during the conference.
Speaking during the conference, the Chairperson of the Council, Dr. Pamela Sitienei stated that MMUST is constantly reviewing its curriculum to include aspects of information technology, and some Schools in the University have begun incorporating Artificial Intelligence in teaching and learning. Further, she commended MMUST women STEM ambassadors who have been doing a great job in championing girls’ education in various parts of the region. “I urge the ambassadors to continue in the same spirit so that the girl-child is fully empowered to navigate the world of technological advancement,” she reiterated.
The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Solomon Shibairo addresses participants at the event.
Echoing Dr. Sitienei, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Solomon Shibairo applauded the conference organizing committee led by Dr. Catherine Aurah for their commitment that has culminated in the success of the conference. He encouraged researchers and academicians present at the international conference to take advantage of such platforms to build synergies and collaborations that will attract funds to our institutions of Higher Education. “STEM education is more than just academic subjects; it’s a way of thinking and approaching challenges. It encourages creativity, curiosity, and a lifelong love for learning. STEM education fosters the skills needed in today’s job market, where technological advancements are transforming industries at an unprecedented pace,” said Prof. Shibairo.
The Deputy Vice Chancellor, Planning Research and Innovation, Prof. Charles Mutai said that his Division is committed to ensuring that scholars come up with innovative ideas to accelerate the implementation of ICT and the teaching of STEM at all levels. He thanked the Director, Research and Postgraduate Support- Prof. Francis Orata for upholding good leadership that has seen the Directorate of Research remain active and vibrant.
The Director, Research and Postgraduate Support- Prof. Francis Orata making his remarks at the conference.
The STEMEIC2023 conference Chairperson Dr. Catherine Aurah encouraged the participants to actively participate, ask probing questions, engage in fruitful debates, learn from one another, challenge their own boundaries, and inspire each other to reach new heights of excellence. “The richness of this conference lies in the diversity of perspectives and the depth of expertise present in this room,” she added.
The STEMEIC2023 conference Chairperson Dr. Catherine Aurah speaks during the event.
The conference brought together various scholars across the globe. Some of the keynote speakers included Dr. Deepa Chari (Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education), Dr. Eng. Timothy Oketch (Director and Principal of TIMCON Associates Inc), Prof. Tom McConnell (Ball State University, Muncie, Indiana, USA), Prof. Rajgopal Sashti (Director of Grants & Sponsored Programs/Advisor Fellowships and Scholarships) and Dr. Edwin Kumfa (CEO STEMpower Inc).
Dr. Edwin Kumfa (CEO STEMpower Inc.) made an interesting presentation on ‘Unpacking Health and Wellness in a Tech-Saturated World’, providing solutions to health challenges. Other presentations included ‘Education Re-conceptualized: Implications for Pedagogy, Policy and Practice’ by Dr. Deepa Chari from India; ‘Service-Learning as a Lever to Support STEM Engagement and High Impact Practice for Higher Education Graduate Employability in Kenya’ by Dr. Rose Atieno Opiyo; ‘Female students’ Academic Achievement at Primary and Secondary School Levels ‘Predicts’ their Low Enrolment in STEM-Related Courses at University Level in Kenya’ by Epari Ejakait, Paul Ogenga Akumu ,Geoffrey Ababu Musera and Ronald Werunga Kikechi; ‘Student experiences with online platforms: Critical perspectives from Teaching and Learning of French as a Foreign Language (FFL) in Kenyan Universities’ by Rose Auma, Lydia Anyonje, Benard Mudogo, Joyce Kasili, Frida Miruka; ‘Future-Proofing Education: A Prototype for Simulating Oral Examinations with LLMs’ by André Nitze; ‘Development of a Circular Motion Concept Inventory for Use in Ugandan Science Education’ by Kent Robert Kirya, Kalarattu Kandiyi Mashood, Lakhan Lal Yadav; ‘Sustainability and Innovation: The Intersection of Green Chemistry and the Digital Revolution - A Review’ by Octor Vitalice Ouma, Phillis Mutheu Mbinda; and ‘Improving healthcare access through digital health in Kenya’ by Prof. Eunice Ndirangu;
Other day one presentations were ‘Predictors of Health-Related Quality of Life among Primary Caregivers of Cancer Patients in Kakamega County’ by Hellen Odeny, Tecla Sum, John Arudo; ‘Management Outcome of Triaged and Coded Patients at Accident and Emergency Department of Kenyatta National Hospital, Kenya’ by Daniel Chelal, Tecla Sum, Everline Morema; ‘Lymphedema Management Outcomes among Patients Treated for Breast Cancer at Selected Hospitals in Western Region of Kenya’ by Rosemary Wepukhulu, Damaris Ochanda, John Okoth; ‘Exploring AI Potential in Harnessing Blue and Green Economy for a Sustainable Future: A Review’ by Linda Yvonne Muyia, Kaleb Mwendwa Adamba; ‘Artificial Intelligence and Academic Publishing’ by David Barasa and ‘Robotic Swarm Application to Transmission Line Inspection and Maintenance Operations’ by Hudson Omuzi.
Dr. Edwin Kumfa (CEO STEMpower Inc.) making a presentation at the conference.
Over the next two days, enriching life changing presentations were made by scholars tackling the sub-themes targeted by the conference. The overarching message in all these presentations was the urgency of incorporating technology in STEM education to enhance learning outcomes.
Indeed, this international virtual conference has propelled MMUST into the center of global discussion on the importance of technology in STEM.
By Dr. Lydia Anyonje and Linet Owuor
Photos by Shiundu Masafu
