IBM
IBM is dedicated to basic and applied research in both in the United States and abroad and is one of the world leaders in research. It has a strong reputation for successful scientific research leading to commercial applications, products services which are deployed globally. The IBM group of companies has also developed an interest and expertise in creating a comprehensive foundation of programs, services and support to help faculty and researchers at higher education institutions worldwide use and implement the latest technology into curriculum and research.
KIBU Collaboration with IBM
Kibabii University and IBM share an appreciation for the value of an advance educational and training environment in Kenya, utilizing leading edge, advanced computing technologies. The two organizations established a collaborative relationship in this area for the benefit of members of KIBU in which they operate and society in general.
To achieve this, KIBU can leverage IBM’s “Skills Academy” program and IBM- Digital Nation Africa Program (D-NA).
Skills Academy Program
IBM Skills Academy is designed for academia worldwide. The program helps university faculty to provide students with additional skills, giving them an advantage in the job market.
Program Components
1.Career Paths
Our career paths focus on job role-based training aligned to the market demand. Students can access a number of different career offerings and select the one that supports their career goal most effectively.
To see the list of Career Paths, Click here
2. Blended Learning Approach
Through the blended learning approach, students can learn at their own pace that best suits their individual learning style. The experience allows for users to interact with content using both online and classroom-based environment.
Online courses
Self-paced virtual courses and courseware
Classroom Training
Instructor-led training in a classroom environment
Hands-on lab
Do exercises through the IBM cloud environment
3. Open Badge
The Open Badge program is a digital recognition of skills which can be shared on social and professional networks, and can also be a part of user’s digital signature. These badges are earned once faculty and students pass the exam.
To see the Badge offerings, click here
IBM- Digital Nation Africa Program (D-NA)
The initiative, “IBM Digital – Nation Africa”, provides a cloud-based learning platform designed to provide free skills development programs for the youth, enabling digital competence and nurturing innovation in Africa. IBM Digital – Nation Africa is designed to help raise overall digital literacy, increase the number of skilled developers able to tap into cognitive engines and enable entrepreneurs and would be entrepreneurs grow businesses around the new solutions.
Through a free, cloud-based online learning environment delivered on IBM Cloud, the premier cloud platform for business, the initiative will provide a range of programs from basic IT literacy to highly sought-after advanced IT skills including social engagement, digital privacy, and cyber protection.
Advanced users will be able to explore career-oriented IT topics including programming, cybersecurity, data science and agile methodologies, as well as important business skills like critical thinking, innovation, and entrepreneurship. The initiative aims to empower African citizens, entrepreneurs, and communities with the knowledge and tools to design, develop, and launch their own digital solutions.
Faculty Support
Academic University staff can get IBM support through the IBM University Awards.
IBM University Awards support basic research, curriculum innovation, and educational assistance in focus areas that are fundamental to innovation in the 21st Century and strategic to IBM’s core business.
The IBM Faculty Awards is a competitive worldwide program intended to:
Foster collaboration between researchers at leading universities worldwide and those in IBM research, development and services organizations.
Promote curriculum innovation to stimulate growth in disciplines and geographies that are strategic to IBM.