KAWA with the funding from Uganda Communications Commission was mandated by the Ministry of Education and Sports to implement tooling and retooling of teachers of ICT and Computer Studies in Mbale region in a five-day workshop at Mbale Senior Secondary from 7th to 12th May 2018. This detailed report explores what transpired in the 5 days, recommendations and the content that was presented by the facilitators.
The workshop was sanctioned by the ministry which invited two teachers from each of the selected schools and provided venue. Uganda Communications Commission was the key funder of the program in terms of pedagogical training and logistical support. Each participating school provided transport and accommodation for its teachers.
One hundred and three (103) participants from seventy-three (73) secondary schools participated, representing fourteen (14) districts: Mbale, Bududa, Manafwa, Sironko, Namasindua, Kapchwora, Kweni, Bukwo, Tororo, Busia, Butaleja, Palisa, Budaka, Kibuku and Butebo.
Background Information
The broad theme of the Ministry of education and Sports is the continuous professional development of teachers. The capacity building of teachers of ICT/Computer Studies is a strategic program that falls under the same theme. It recognizes the need to have resourceful citizens that are creative and innovative to compete favorably in the job market and measure up to current trends locally and at global level. The teacher’s central role in enhancing this cannot be underestimated.
However, as affirmed by findings at the tooling and retooling workshop held at Mbale SS, so many hurdles lie on the way to achieving the above. The participants revealed lack of effective teaching skills, lack of skills and knowledge of ICT, poor knowledge or interpretation of the ICT and Computer Studies Syllabi, negative attitude towards certain methodologies and low or no knowledge of assessment for learning purposes. Some of the schools do not have ICT/Computer studies teachers, relying on part-time teachers. Some of them are not trained in ICT/Computer Studies but in other subjects. The participants knowledge of blooms taxonomy and levels of learning was very low or nonexistent.
Aims and Objectives
The workshop’s broad aims and objectives were to enhance capacity of the ICT/Computer studies teachers to:
- Teach ICT/Computer Studied better using the methods recommended by NCDC
- Do more effective formative assessment and evaluation of students
- Relate what they are teaching to the skills requirements in the job market
- Help schools develop their website
- Involve their schools in project-based learning.
- be able to identify challenges affecting ICT in teaching and learning, come up with solutions that they can implement and advocate for desirable change.
- Be able to identify challenges affecting ICT in teaching and learning and come up with solutions that they can implement as well as advocate for desirable change.
- Network and learn from each other.
In attaining these above objectives, the activities devised focused on certain key areas:
- Government ICT for Education policies and initiatives
- Desktop publishing
- Assessment and evaluation (formative and summative)
- Website development
- Elementary programing
- Inspirational talks
- Job market application.
Engaging and participatory pedagogical approaches were majorly selected with understanding that the participants were adults, which meant they had considerable experiences that they would share freely.
- Facilitator guided discussion
- Learner driven group discussions
- Participant presentations
- Facilitator presentation especially in exposition and harmonization of sessions content.
- Hands-on group activities like planning to accomplish tasks
- Formative assessments.
- Market-like group presentations
Participants have liked the more engaging learning activities like minds-on or hands-on group tasks and guided discussion.
By the end of the workshop, participants expressed desire to each make a difference back in their respective schools and classrooms. These included: attempting website designing for their schools, introducing desktop publishing, etc.
Recommendations
For a more effective workshop and to have a more sustainable process of tooling and retooling ICT/Computer Teacher, we recommend the following:
to organize workshops that are within proximity of schools. This will curb the bother of having to travel long distances to workshop venue.
A greater deal of emphasis on refreshing teachers’ mind on blooms taxonomy (Revised) and their practical applications in learning activities/programs. A teacher’s thorough knowledge of and effective application of bloom’s taxonomy and the levels of thinking is very crucial if the full potential of ICT in learning is to be realized, especially in terms of enabling creative and innovative learning in class.
We also recommend designing or developing follow up activities as integral part of the workshop. This is necessary for continuity and sustainability of the tooling and retooling exercise.
Full downloadable word doc report is hereEastern-Region-Tooling-and-Retooling-2018-Report-1.docx (382 downloads)
See the report belowEastern-Region-Tooling-and-Retooling-2018-Report (87 downloads)
Full Magazine Report is here below