Computers for Schools Uganda (CfSU) a local NGO with support
from AusAid is implementing a project on the use of digital stories for
teaching and learning of english language in primary schools. In a one year pilot, students have
become authors of the stories used for teaching and learning.
A teacher of Mugusu P.S at the back of the class monitors the progress of the digital storytelling session
The project is changing the face of traditional storytelling
to new innovations of audio, video, photo and other enhancements to make
learning exciting.
During our routine visists to Kasisi and Mugusu Primary schools pupils appreciated ICT for storytelling for it made them smile
all the time because they could follow the story on the screen. Some students
were quoted as saying “reading a story from a book is sometimes difficult but
on computer its interesting. Playing on the road is bad” she said after
watching a digital story on road safety.
Teacher gets hooked to the story too
A lot of content is expected to be generated from schools
and efforts to have it in one place are under way so that a bigger populace can access it.
Only one computer was provided for each school. Given the
big class numbers there is a challenge of access hence the need for a
projector.
Pupils of Mugusu Primary school listen as they watch a story from a distance
As we make learning interactive we also have to consider
developing the skills of pupils, creativity, research skills and critical
thinking. This calls for having more computers in the room for pupils to
practice and type their work.
In an effort to reach more schools, solar powered computers
should be an option due to the fact that many schools are not connected to the
main grid.
Compiled by Joel , CfSU