Computers
for Schools Uganda (CfSU) in partnership with Computers for Schools Kenya
(CfSK) with funding from Microsoft organized and successfully completed a
training of ten teachers (4F, 6M) in selected schools from the western region
of Uganda. The main objective of the training was to sensitize these teachers
and train them on how to teach using technology basics.
The
day was kicked off by registration and introduction by the participants as each
of them gave their expectations from the meeting. The main facilitator, Ms Stella Nekesa from
CfSU then began with the presentation as members participated in a brain
storming session of why the use of technology is necessary in education. In
this session, more insight was given to the use of the Microsoft applications
for teaching; since this was the core of the discussion. A recap of the
Microsoft office basics was done and this included Ms. Word, Excel, Power point
and Photo story.
Participants
discussed in detail about the use of each of the Ms tools and below are some of
the functions that they discussed;
Ms Word
·
Typing invitation letter
·
Typing memos
·
Typing lesson notes
·
Typing examinations
·
Typing Lesson plans and schemes of work
Ms Excel
·
Keeping class lists
·
Keeping data bases
·
Making mark sheets (calculating total marks, average, position and
grading)
Ms Power point
·
Making class presentations
·
Developing illustrative ICT enhanced lessons
The
use of Photo story was however a new ideology to the participants and therefore
the facilitator had to take them through a step by step tutoring of using this
application. There after they were all tasked to create their own photo stories
so that they could perfect their newly acquired skill.
The
facilitator then introduced the core of the training which was teaching with
technology basics on the Microsoft Educator website. This particular topic had
four modules which included;
·
ICT tools for the evaluation of optimization knowledge
·
The creation of better learning
activities using the internet
·
Support learning and teaching with the user of technology to support
collaboration
·
Better results thanks to ICT technologies
Each
of the above modules was discussed and then the participants each signed up for
Microsoft accounts so that they could read more on the topics and also complete
the exercises. With the guidance of the facilitators, all the participants were
able to successfully create accounts and were able to complete the exercises
therefore earning themselves a badge.
 |
| Participants paying attention during the workshop |
 |
| Members signing up for the Microsoft account |
To end the workshop, the chairman, ICT
committee in western region Mr. Barughare Jimmy gave closing remarks and urged
members to take advantage of the opportunity they had been given and continue
to use ICTs. One of the members gave a vote of thanks to the facilitator and
also thanked CfSU for considering them for the opportunity they had been given
and they pledged to continue with the programme even after they had gone back
to their respective schools.
