Technological development and distance learning during disease outbreak in Cameroon: The COVID 19 experience

International audience COVID 19 set in at a time when governments and educational institutions were working towards providing quality, inclusive and continuous education in order to meet Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4). The outbreak of the pandemic ushered in lockdowns and the use of distance learning as a response mechanism. Although key actors, the level of technological development of a majority of teachers in sub Saharan Africa is largely insufficient, preventing a successful implementation of distance learning during COVID 19 in this part of the world. An important question addressed in this study is whether the Cameroonian government and educational authorities have invested in training and equipping teachers to facilitate distance learning. This study used the descriptive approach, based on information collected through documentary research and interviews of educational authorities and teachers at all levels of education in the Far North Region of Cameroon. Content analysis was done and findings revealed existing but significantly insufficient technology measures taken by educational authorities to prepare teachers to successfully facilitate distance learning during COVID 19 and in the event of any other disease outbreak. Recommendations have been made to these authorities to ensure technological development in Cameroon.