Introduction
CfSU identified the need for interactive instructional
materials to teach English language in primary schools. ICT was seen as an
alternative to address the gap and enhance interactivity in teaching and
learning of English language.
With support from AusAid, three primary schools in Kabarole
were taken on a pilot project to use digital storytelling for teaching and
learning of English language aimed at improving literacy in schools.
AusAid supported CfSU enable schools embrace and use digital
stories and also train teachers in the creation and use of digital stories for
teaching and learning at primary school level.
The training was attended by 30 participants (16M,14F) including the District
Education Officer, District Inspector of Schools, inspector of schools in
charge of special needs, Parent-Teacher Association representatives, Headteachers
and teachers from three primary schools.
Champion teachers
improve a story to be transformed into a digital story.
Expectations of participants
Mr. Joel Kamba-Executive Director, Computers for schools
Uganda opened the workshop by welcoming participants and explaining the purpose
of the workshop as extra effort to improve the speaking, listening, reading and
writing skills of pupils. In his remarks, Joel emphasized the fact that the
training is to empower teachers to create and use digital stories for teaching
and learning. It was also mentioned that the other gap that led to the adoption
of digital storytelling was the lack of instructional materials.
Lydia the project coordinator welcoming participants
Joel Kamba- MD CfSU explaining the purpose of
the workshop
The District Education officer Kabarole, Mr Patrick
Rwakaikara thanked CfSU together with the development partners who have offered
to support the region in improving literacy. He also assured teachers at the
training that it is true ICT makes teaching and learning easy and the main reason
teachers should embrace it. He mentioned that ICT is very important in this Era
without it you are you are left behind or you have no job. This means that our
children are getting a chance to start interacting with ICT early. The DEO
asked teachers to ensure that the skills and equipment given are put to use. He
requested CfSU to gradually cater for more schools so that eventually all
primary schools are brought on board in the fight on improving literacy in the
region.
Mr Patrick Rwakaikara- District
Education officer Kabarole addressing participants
The District inspector of schools Mr Rujumba Joseph thanked the
organizers for the support and encouraged teachers not to keep the equipment in
the offices as added load but rather ensure that children access ICT since it
is another methodology of teaching and learning. This was emphasized by the
inspector of schools (special needs), Mrs. Harriet Anguena who commended the
work done so far that it touching the children on the ground on issues
concerning literacy. In her presentation, she stressed that due to these
activities in schools the district is hopeful they will have a gradual
improvement in the grades attained at primary level.
Mr Rujumba Joseph -District inspector of schools address participants during the workshop
The Training
Thirty people participated at the training (16M, 14F)
including representatives from the district education office, Parent-Teacher
Associations, headteachers and teachers.
The training began with the definition of digital
storytelling, the elements of a good digital story and the tips to creating a
good digital story. Teachers were eager to know more as they interact with the
computer.
Defining digital story telling
It was followed by demonstrations of sample digital stories
and the guide to use the digital stories for teaching and learning. Teachers
were also introduced to the use of cameras/phones for photo shooting and
practically got involved in taking photos for their stories.
Due to the low ICT skills of teachers, Tips on basic skills
of file management were done and teachers were able to save their photos in the
respective folders.
Teachers were trained in the creation of digital stories
(incorporating text, video,audio and illustrations) using the photo story tool.
During the training, Teachers created educational stories, took relevant photos
and created digital stories which were presented to the plenary for comments.
Mr. James Kato-Digital content Developer takes participants through the
process of making a digital story before they are released to create their own
digital stories.
A group of participants act a scene on the road (motor cycle knocks
person playing on the road) for a digital story on road safety
Primary school Teachers accessing content on the computer during training
Each primary school received a computer and sound system to
aid the teaching and learning.
District Education Officer, Kabarole Mr Patrick Rwakaikara and the Inspector of Schools Mr. Rujumba
Joseph Handing over equipment to headteacher and PTA chairperson of Rubona
primary schools.
