CfSU with support AusAid is
implementing a project on the use of ICT to improve literacy (listening skills,
writing skills, reading skills and speaking skills) in 3 primary schools in the
Rwenzori region.
Pupils were involved In writing
stories with the guidance of teachers who actually improved the stories
together with CfSU. Some stories were enhanced with ICT for schools to start
with as they get aclamatised with digital stories.
Teachers were trained in the
creation and use of digital stories for teaching and learning so that they can
create their own stories.
Centre coordinating tutors (CCTs)
are in charge of following up implementation of programmes in primary schools.
It was deemed fit to orient CCTs on the project so that they can follow up its
implementation in schools.
The orientation workshop was attended by 09
participants (02F,07M) and it was aimed at orienting CCTs to the use of digital
stories for teaching english language, get feedback on what to improve and how
they will support the program.
The purpose of the workshop was
explained to the participants who were also introduced to the details of the
project.
Lydia, the project coordinator explaining the purpose of the
workshop.
Mr Blaise one of the champion teachers displayed some digital stories, explained the
process involved in making them which excited participants. Later , the
userguide was shared and explained how it is used in the classroom.
A champion shows CCTs
some of the digital stories
Participants discussing
Reactions from Participants
“I am foreseeing a situation
where children will ran away from other schools to schools to schools that use
digital stories to teach English” said Mr. Sessanga Members wished the project
could be extended to other schools to cover the region.
It was also noted that the
project will attract a lot of content. There is need to have a platform so that
it can be accessed by other schools.
Some members confessed to have
been avoiding teaching new vocabulary, comprehension and composition because it
is tedious but with ICT they can teach it comfortably”
It was also noted that this
project taps different skills of pupils and teachers in the sense that if a
pupil is good at drawing, use their talent to enhance the story, if one is good
at reading , let them narrate the story and if one is good at composing/writing
a story, concentrate on that ability.
Some of the content discussed during the orientation
One CCT, Mr. Dumba suggested that CfSU should emphasize that content
is created in line with the curriculum. CfSU has been working with an
experienced tutor who endeavored to relate the stories to the curriculum and
the guide accordingly.
Members identified areas of
emphasis where digital stories can be used as teaching vocabulary, tenses,
summary, picture interpretation etc.
CCTs noted that the introduction
of digital stories to the schools lead to other ripple effects eg. Rubona
primary school was compelled to install electricity so that they are part of
the project.
Mr Sesanga a CCT, suggested that
as part of their responsibility they should ensure that schools have atleast
one ICT enhanced lesson in their schemes
of work and will gradually improve the frequency of use of ICT for teaching English
language.
CCTs came up with an action plan
to guide them on the next steps.
Action plan for CCTs
In his closing remarks, The County sheikh - Burahya Tumwebaze hailed the program that it
will help learners understand better because of the visual aids and
interactivity. Now the schools here can cope with other schools in the city. He
extended concern about the need for projectors so that the big pupil numbers
can be catered for.
The Education founding bodies leader for Burahya County Sheikh Tumwebaze giving closing Remarks
Sheikh Tumwebaze requested that
the support gets extended to all primary schools in the region for equality and
urged schools and particularly school heads not to personalize the equipment
but rather use it for educational purposes.
It was an exciting meeting that one couldn't afford to miss.
