Author: Ross Chrichton | Based on case studies by: Kadondi Sofia (Uganda), Oluchi Francis-Uko (Nigeria), Umar Suraka (Ghana), Sikhumbuzo Sibanda (South Africa) – from Teaching and learning with technology in Sub-Saharan Africa: Case studies of practice (British Council). | Published on 9 March 2026
Question: How can teachers and teacher educators promote safe and responsible technology use?
Answer: By modelling good practice, and guiding learners to check and critically assess digital content.
Digital tools can be misused or unsafe if learners and teachers are not guided in how to use them.
Recommendations:
- Lead by example: don’t share personal information with AI tools or on online platforms and make it clear that learners shouldn’t do this either.
- Teach learners to think critically about content that’s generated by AI or found on the internet. Check the information and ask questions before accepting it.
- Make any online class groups (e.g. on WhatsApp or Telegram) private. Restrict who can join and monitor behaviour.
- Show learners how to protect devices, personal information and passwords.
Key Takeaways:
- Teachers and teacher educators set the standard for safe, responsible and critical use of digital tools.
- Responsible use protects learners’ and teachers’ safety and personal information.
- Critical thinking helps learners and teachers engage meaningfully with technology and the information it provides.