ICT gadgets in schools lie idle
Some teachers are still not equipped on the use of ICT gadgets to enhance their teaching aids in schools, according to Director of Technokids Academy, Tiroyaone Khutlo.
Khutlo said recently at The Broadcasters Organisation (TBO) ICT dialogue that the world today revolves around technology usability hence the need for digital learning. However, he laments that most teachers especially at primary school level cannot operate existing gadgets to promote ICT.
Technokids Academy conducted a study in Kweneng region, to evaluate the impact of ICT in schools. They were shocked to learn that there are plenty of gadgets that are not being used in the Kweneng region.
“When we moved around primary schools around Kweneng, we found out that there are plenty of gadgets that are collecting dust and not in use but in good working condition. This shows that teachers do not have sufficient skills on the use of gadgets to enhance their teaching aids, which is a concern,” he said.
While he applauds the fact that there are gadgets in schools, he strongly recommends that intensive training be offered to teachers.
His worry is that if there is no competent facilitation of available gadgets, students will not benefit from the knowledge of ICT from grassroots level, as it is required for a knowledge-based and ICT driven economy that Botswana subscribes to. Technokids Academy focuses and specialises on training children between two and three-years old on basic use of computers and other ICT devices.
Khutlo applauds stakeholders they work with including TBO. He states that by joining hands in transforming the education system into digital learning, they are on the right track to build a techno world.
In their panel discussion, which was aimed at discussing the importance, advantages and disadvantages of the digital learning, many teachers concurred that they need to adopt the usage of gadgets on a daily basis.
School heads present during discussions also confirmed that most gadgets that are available in their schools were not fully utilised and some are locked in storerooms.
Parents were also urged to monitor their children at home while using gadgets because some children log into irrelevant websites if not monitored.
Director at TBO, Layani Elias, told The Midweek Sun that they often host ICT workshops at schools to encourage and promote the use of ICT among teachers and students. TBO has currently developed two applications, BIC Matshwao System and Moithuti App to promote ICT in education.
“These two Apps are designed to help teachers analyse students’ marks. The Moithuti App will actually be launched soon with an aim of bridging the gap between teachers, students, and parents, as it encourages interaction between the three parties”, he said.