Where is Kenya as pertains to Global Online Colaborative learning?

This information is only as far as education is concerned since technology use in Kenyans commercial sector is somewhat ahead of most countries in the world. This is not to say there is great technological advancement in schools. In fact, it is the other way round. The technology used for commercial purposes is bought. One good example is m-pesa(directly translated as Mobile money). This is cellphone transfer of cash from one bank to another without going to the bank at all, 24 hours a day 7 days a week. This technology is going so far as taking retail banks hostage as Michael Joseph, one of the mobile phone CEO warns banks. Another is the electronic networking of the judicial department of the government for quick expedite of court cases. A judge could be in Linn County while presiding a case in Brima County. This is just to show there is edgy technology in Kenya, but mostly for the users and not so much for schools. That is why the government is working so hard to equip schools with computer and staff.

In the past connectivity speed was the major hindrance to technology advancement in school coupled with limited resources. However connectivity has greatly improved since 2006.
The first fibre optic cable to land in Kenya was in 2006. The Kenyan government has all along known using fibre optic cables is definitely one of the most efficient data transmitting devices around, transferring information in quick time. Unlike normal cables this is one of the most useful and long lasting data transmitting devices, which require no lengthy waiting period.
Fibre optic cable has so many advantages. It is made from threads of glass that sends data and information through modulated light waves. Metal cables do not have as much bandwidth as a fibre optic cable and are also less susceptible to interferences.

Other advantages to using fibre optic cables are that they are much lighter and thinner than metal wires. Furthermore, information can be transmitted digitally hence the reason for a less likelihood of interference. Metal wires transfer information analogically, which means it is transferred through an analogue signal (a long electronic signal that is continuous and varies over time). Digital signals transmit information through a non continuous process, usually in the form of pulses or digits. The digits are constant in their value; however, they do change abruptly from one digit to the other. This technology has existed for a very long time. It was not until 1996 that saw the very first fibre optic cables TPC5 used all across the Pacific Ocean. A year later FLAG (Fibre Optic Link Around the Globe) was established as the single most longest cable in the world.This proved that fibre optics is the strongest and fasted transmitting device across longer distances, having been used for the internet, telecommunication, medical facilities and imaging devices.

So, back in 2006 The Kenyan Government decided to include fiber optic cable onto its electric grid infrastructure basically to speed up the spread of the network while fighting vandalism. At this particular time, government owned Kenya Power and Lighting Company is leasing parts of the fibre optic fibre to major telecommunication companies in the country. The major telecommunication companies that lease fibre optic parts from the government include SafariCom, Wananchi group, Jamii Telecommunications Ltd, KDN, and Telkom Kenya. Alll major towns in Kenya are networked, however the network has not reach some villages yet.

Majority of Kenyan population understand the importance of communication technology and especially the importance of modern education. Most families, including the very poor send their kids to school, they understand that it is the law. The government has taken the initiative of providing Free Primary Education (FPE) for all primary school kids, so the parents have no good reason for not sending kids to school. The government is (partnering) with NGOs and donors on ICT pilot program in secondary schools. This is because one of the hindrances to Kenya communication Technology has been prohibited by lack of finance. But to say the least, the future is bright for online learning in Kenyan schools for the foundation is being laid. At the same time, the government in collaboration with the private sector is trying to connect Kenyans to the rest of the world by providing digital villages in communities.

I know this information does not address  Kenyan schools and what they are doing in regard to the flat classroom learning directly. However the Kenyan government is experimenting on different school technologies that are effective, effectiveness and sustainable.  I will keep on looking for that information. Meanwhile I welcome any comments or questions that you all might have.