By TIZA NYIMBIRI –

AIRTEL Networks Zambia managing director, Charity Lumpa, has said the Information Communications and Technology (ICT) plays cardinal role in enhancing development through education.
She said this yesterday when Airtel and the Zambia Open University (ZAOU) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) which would allow members of staff  from the university to  purchase smart phones and tablets  and pay for them over a period of six to 24 months.
She said education was an area  in critical  need of development , one where Information Communications and Technology (ICTs)  had the potential  to make a positive impact both on the teacher and learner.
“ICTs greatly facilitate the acquisition and absorption of knowledge, offering unprecedented opportunities to enhance educational systems, improve policy formulation and execution, and widen the range of opportunities for business,’’ she said.
Airtel handed over 50 Samsung tablets valued at US$40,000 ZAOU, which were expected to be paid over a period of six to 24 months.
“You may be aware teaching and learning are dynamic activities that require teachers and students to be up-to-date with relevant information.?This partnership will not only enhance learning but will go a long way in assisting lectures with their studies and information gathering,’’ Ms Lumpa said.
And ZAOU vice-chancellor Professor Mutale Musonda said the university interest was to ensure that all staff and students were able to use ICTs effectively, more creatively and innovatively to enhance  the quality of teaching  and learning.
‘‘Regarding communication between lecturers and students and regarding interaction between students, especially those in rural areas where access to modern communication facilities is limited, Students will now be able to submit their assignment easily using tablets and also have access to our e-library, open education resources and other?resources that may be made available by the university,’’ Prof Musonda said.
He said the use of tablets and other  devices would give lecturers flexibility and mobility as they would be able to access students assignments, respond  to student queries and access and adopt an open educational resources and e-library wherever they may be.