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A REPORT ON THE ONE DAY KNOWLEDGE SHARING MEETING WITH PATRONS OF ICT CLUBS OF SECONDARY SCHOOLS PARTICIPANTING IN UCC PILOT PROJECT OF ICT CLUBS IN UGANDA HELD AT MAKERERE UNIVERSITY BUSINESS SCHOOL, NAKAWA, KAMPALA ON TUESDAY 7TH AUGUST 2018. REPORT BY CHOLE RICHARD – 7th SEPTEMBER 2018 BACKGROUND Between June 28th and July 28th, Kisubi Associated Writers’ Agency (KAWA) embarked in implementation of a UCC pilot project of launching and supporting ICT Clubs in 20 selected Secondary Schools in Uganda.
Consequently, KAWA successfully launched the projects in the 20 secondary schools. Namely: St. Mary’s College, Rushoroza; Bishop Kivengere Girls, Kabale; Mbarara High, Mary Hill High School, Mbarara; Rwenkobwa Secondary School, Ibanda; Masaka Secondary School; Kansanga Seed Secondary School, Kampala, Nabisunsa Girls, Bishops Secondary School, Mukono; Dabani Girls, Busia; Mbale High; Mbale Secondary School; Nero Rock High School, Kumi; Lira Town College; Gulu High, St. Joseph, Layibi; Arua Public, Arua Senior Secondary School, Nalinya Lwantale Girls and St. John SS, Nandale.
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Each of the clubs has been organized under mentorship of a teacher. So, having launched the clubs, KAWA in partnership with Makerere University Business School sponsored a one day knowledge sharing meeting to bring onboard the teachers by sensitizing them on UCC’s interests in the clubs and also sharing with them experiences and knowledge on other best practices in education. ATTENDANCE: The following teachers participated in the one day meeting: NAME
SCHOOL, DISTRICT
1. Sekulima Twaha
Nabisunsa Girls, Kampala
2. Ssemwanga L.
Kansanga Seeds’ Secondary School, Kampala
3. Asiku Issa
Arua Public School, Arua
4. Okoth Johnson
Dabani Girls’ School, Busia
5. Ndikwani Juliet
Dabani Girls’ School, Busia
6. Junju Hamza
Masaka Senior Secondary School, Masaka
7. Odoi Ben
Nalinya Girls’, Lwantala, Luwero
8. Senyondo Stephen
St. John Senior Secondary School, Luwero
9. Oyik John Burton
St. Joseph’ College, Layibi – Gulu
10.Kobusingye Gift
Bishop Kivengere Girls School, Kabala
11.Aketcho Josephine
Gulu High, Gulu
12.Okello Fred
Mbale High, Mbale
13.Mwaye Patrick
Nyero Rock High, Kumi
14.Banghanzi Jimmy
Mbarara High School, Mbarara
15.Ezale Emanuel
Arua Senior Secondary School, Arua
16.Lugya Richard Kibuuku
Bishops Senior Secondary School, Mukono.
17.Wambi Aaron
Mbale Senior Secondary School, Mbale.
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A cross section of ICT Club Patrons listen to Chole during the one day workshop
The Following KAWA officials facilitated the meeting: 1. Paul Rukundo Executive Director 2. Wamanga Moses Lead Coordinator of the meeting 3. Chole Richard Trainer 4. Nicholas Kugonza Media Coverage 5. Nasuna Saadah Logistics 6. Matsanga Peter Trainer UCC was represented by Phillip Muhairwe and another colleague
Objectives of the Workshop 1. To share with the participants the main aim and objectives of the ICT Clubs Pilot Project 2. Share with the participants the UCC Curriculum of the ICT Clubs 3. To come up with the best methods of successfully making students participate in maintenance of ICT Labs in the schools. 4. Share with the patrons the program of engaging their students in innovative learning activities. 5. Carry out a demonstration of online conferencing using the Samsun Galaxy Tablets donated by UCC to the ICT Clubs.
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6. Share the proposed work plan designed by KAWA for the ICT Clubs. Program of Activities TIME ACTIVITY 8.00AM Arrival and registration 10.00AM Introduction of participants 10.20AM Background information about the pilot project 10.30AM Sharing of experiences by patrons: What has worked and what has failed to work; challenges and possible mitigations. 11.00AM Introducing aims and objectives of the pilot project. 11.30AM Lab Maintenance: How best can ICT students participate? Introducing the UCC Curriculum for the clubs. 12.00AM Refreshment 12.30PM Brainstorming on the UCC Curriculum for the clubs 1.00PM Lunch break 2.00PM Innovative learning activities/project and proposed criteria for evaluating Innovation; possible avenues for learning practices 3.30PM Adding value to the Samsung Galaxy Tablets: Demonstration of Online Conferencing 3.45PM Sharing of KAWA work plan 4.00PM Closing remarks 4.30PM Refreshment, End of Program and departure
LEAD PERSON Nasuna Chole Wamanga Patrons
Chole Chole
Nasuna Chole Nasuna Wamanga/Chole
Patrons Chole Paul
PATRONS SHARE THEIR EXPERIENCES WITH THEIR DEPARTMENTS AND ICT CLUBS The participants were invited to share their experiences in terms of what has worked and has not worked; their challenges and how they are or intend to deal with them.
Aketch Josephine of Gulu High stresses a point during the workshop
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Mwaye Patrick, Nyero Rock High, Kumi Mwaya Patrick said that it was very challenging for him to maintain the equipment’s in the computer department because the university where he did his training did not equip him enough with the necessary skills. He said what he learnt from the university was only enough to help him make his students pass examination. Barugahare Jimmy, Mbarara High School Jimmy thanked UCC for providing them with computers which have helped Mbarara High very much. He however said that they a challenge of server card which failed to work and it was difficult to obtain another from UCC. He further thanked UCC for providing Mbarara High with standalone computers.
Oyik John Burton – St. Joseph’s College, Layibi He thanked UCC for providing St. Joseph’s College, Layibi with computers. One of the problems he mentioned is that once a server beaks down, it means 10 units are not working. Secondly, the installation software was not provided together with the password to install it. He said that they have to computer laboratories. Aketcho Josephine – Gulu High
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She said her school is special because it has visually impaired students alongside others. She said that they have improved a lot in learning skills especially for the visually impaired students. They are fast learners who have mastered use of technology and they are performing better than the normal students. She said several other organizations beside UCC have supported them with computers and other accessories and software. She said the visually impaired students’ learning is aided by a special software that “speaks� to them. It has helped them to compete at per with the rest of the students. One challenge that she observed is that the networked computers cannot be used by visually impaired students. They instead require the stand alone computers. Lugya Richard Kibuuku, Bishops Senior Secondary School, Mukono. Lugya Richard observed that repair and maintenance cost of networked computers tend to be very high. He however said that in spite of the many challenges in maintaining the machines, there were many opportunities of making
Lugya Richard Kibuuka of Bishops Mukono gestures to make point during the workshop
things easy. One of the opportunities, he said, were the teachers who can support each other.
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Wambi Aaron, Mbale Senior Secondary School, Mbale Wambi said he would find difficulties in interesting his students to do out of classroom activities that did not directly help them answer examination questions. He said some of his students would misuse installed software. Ezale Emanuel, Arua Senior Secondary School, Arua His school grapples with the challenge of how to serve 900 students with 40 computers. They have found it hard to convince parents to pay extra fee to carter for computer maintenance. He has some students who are actively involved in doing innovative learning activities and they can be relied upon to safe guard the department. Some students however do steal lab properties. It has been difficult to replace serial mice because they are not readily available. They have solved the problem of power fluctuation by securing a generator. The school also has other accessories like project and audio systems. Odoi Ben, St. John SS, Nalinya, Luwero Students of the school are very enthusiastic about the ICT Club. Many of them are considerably skilled enough to do troubleshooting. They are very active and take lead in keeping the lab clean. Theft is not an issue and other forms of mischief and abuse are nonexistent. Sekulima Twaha, Nabisunsa Girls, Kampala In the past, Nabisunsa Girls would have challenges of maintaining the computer laboratory but now, the new administration has a lot of interest in wellness of the lab. A lab technician has now been employed. It has considerably reduced the burden in the department. One challenge is that of few computers for very many students who are very enthusiastic about learning things in ICT. However, the school is setting up more computers to alleviate the challenge.
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The N-Computers have been dropped in favour of standalone computers. The students are very eager to kick-start learning projects. The senior students do organize training for the students in the lower classes. Kobusingye Gift, Bishop Kivengere Girls School, Kabala Kobusigye thanked UCC for providing computers to Bishop Kivengere Girls’ School. She said she benefitted from the computers as a student there. The students do participate in cleaning of the lab but not in doing technical work of maintenance. Only two computers out of forty are functioning. Okoth Johnson, Dabani Girls’ School, Busia Okoth suggested that sensitization program should be organized for head teachers so that they are fully aware of how best to administer the ICT Clubs.
In response, a member suggested that the patrons should take lead in bringing head teachers onboard the program by making them see the value of ICT. He further urged that UCC and KAWA should organize a session for the head teachers
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so that they fully understand the pilot project. He further commended the administration of Nabisunsa Girls and Bishops Secondary School, Mukono for being passionate and involved in their respective schools’ ICT programs and activities. Another member suggested that teachers can bring head teachers onboard ICT programs by finding ways of adding value to their department and school. He suggested teachers should endeavor to bring forth tangible outcomes and let everyone be able to see a transformed lot of students who works speak for themselves. Ssemwanga L., Kansanga Seed Secondary School, Kampala Ssemwanga said when the licensed anti-virus guard offered by UCC elapsed, it took a while for new one to be installed. He however said, that matters are better now and internet connectivity has been put in place. A member observed that the ICT Club Pilot project is good because it can bring about sustainability in management and maintenance of the ICT Departments and programs. When UCC stopped offering services like free internet and computer maintenance, many schools remained at a loss because they had not build capacity to carry on. BACKGROUND INFORMATION Wamanga Moses led in an exposition giving background information leading to the ICT Patrons’ meeting. Wamanga said UCC has supported over 1000 secondary school equipping then with computers’ and other accessories. However, according to Wamanga, indication on the ground is that the government donated equipment’s were not serviced by the beneficiaries and in poor condition. So, through establishment and support of ICT Club’s, UCC hopes to see computer labs in schools become well maintained by the club members. He further explained the ICT Clubs would be linked with nearest University for mentoring.
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The main method of the workshop was exposition on some pertinent issues and open discussions and brainstorming.
Wamanga Moses talking to teachers during the one day ICT Club patron’s meeting.
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES OF THE UCC ICT CLUBS PILOT PROJECT KAWA’s main aim in the Pilot Project is: To build capacity in the participating learners to leverage the 21st century learning practices to make learning more meaningful in their lves and the education. The following objectives were outlined: • Building in the students the skills of using ICT more effectively and responsibly. • Building communication skills and confidence in the learners • Enabling creativity and innovation • Developing critical thinking and problem-solving mentality • Being able to integrate ICT in mainstream disciplines, other clubs and schools’ activities for learning purposes.
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• Engaging learners in programs and activities that develop a sense of global citizenship • Being able to purposefully network, collaborate and work as a team. • Becoming peer learners that guide and support fellow students in learning and effective use of ICT in education. • Empowering learners to address real issues affecting their communities and finding solutions to them through innovative learning projects. • Developing a sense of ownership of and taking part in maintenance of equipment of their respective ICT department. THE UCC ICT CLUBS’ CURRICULUM Members were introduced to the curriculum for ICT Clubs as created by UCC. The proposed curriculum has been divided into five parts, each one having several items for the students to tackle. See index for details of the curriculum. The patrons were overwhelmingly in favour of the curriculum. However concern was expressed over the fact that the curriculum was introduced towards the end of the year. It was resolved that the patrons will implement the first term items in the third term and move on from there in its order right into to new year. Clubs were advised to each come with their own plan on how to maintain the computer lab and machines. POLICY GUIDELINES FOR THE ICT CLUB The policy guidelines for the ICT Clubs was unanimously approved by the workshop participants but for the first item which in part starts thus: “The school head teacher or deputy head teacher shall be the patron of the clubs” The patron participants were unanimously opposed the idea of a Head teacher or deputy head teacher being recognized as patron of the club. The participants observed that the word “patron” may be misinterpreted by a head teacher who may use it to sideline a club patron. The matter has therefore been referred to UCC for consideration.
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INNOVATIVE LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND PROPOSED CRITERIA FOR EVALUATING INNOVATION; POSSIBLE AVENUES FOR LEARNING PRACTICES. The participants resolved to undertake implementation of at least one innovative learning project by each of the ICT Clubs. The following were the outlined key features of an innovative learning activity: • Learner driven • It must address itself to real world/community issues with which the students are connected • There has to be an end product • Exhibition and sharing of learning experiences • Available technology is used to improve efficiency • Attention to individual interests and needs • Constant evaluation at every stage of the learning activity or project. • Interdisciplinary approach to learning – issue driven rather than subject driven. • Collaboration and teamwork • Cost effective utilization of resources available • Scalable • Employing experts/resourceful persons to attain set learning/activity objectives. • Sensitive to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) • A documented plan of action. Chole said these features above also form the core basis for evaluation of club learning activities. He then gave examples of possible activities that clubs could undertake: • Creating of apps for solving real life problems • Present a well-researched community issue to your Member of Parliament • Labeling flora in the school with their common and scientific names. • Compile a well-researched study of history of the local community you live in. • Make a geographical study of your locality and document your findings. • Creating digital instructional material for learning • Creating a blog, word press or website to share your learning outcomes in geography, history, etc. • Producing a skit on video for learning purposes.
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• • • •
Creating an anthology in literature – poetry, short stories, fables etc. Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics projects. Online collaborative learning with other clubs, classes Computer Accessories Identification Platform
Chole shared digital content creation for learning purposes showing dissection of a frog and its main features. The project was undertaken by senor O level students of PMM Girls’ School, Jinja. Jimmy, the patron of Mbarara High ICT Club shared a robotic mobile crop irrigator that is able to differentiate between wet and dry ground so that it releases water in the field accordingly. The same gadget is able to simultaneously communicate to its owner of state of affairs in the field. It has ability of beam live visuals of what is going on in the field. The club patrons were advised to be on the lookout for opportunities that can be platforms for the clubs to be more impactful in their learning activities. The following were pointed out as some of the avenues: International Education and Resource Network (iEARN) which is an internet based non-profit organization enabling a network of teachers and students from all over the world. They participate in learning projects that emphasis 21st century learning practices and competencies. He encouraged the participants to visit iEARN’s website at http//www.iearn.org. Technovation Challenge. This gives opportunity for girls to excel in creating apps to solve community problems. Chole observed that the ICT Club of Lira Town College thrived in the program by emerging the best in Uganda. The third avenue recommended was Microsoft Education. It is a philanthropic program of Microsoft Company to give opportunity for teachers to use the company’s cutting edge technology to improve learning in the classroom and give professional platform for teachers to advocate for best practices. Chole said the program was then inviting teachers to apply to become Microsoft Expert Educator. ADDING VALUE TO THE SAMSUNG GALAXY TABLETS: DEMONSTRATION OF ONLINE CONFERENCING.
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Two teachers shared how their students’ creatively used the Samsung Galaxy tablets donated by UCC: Jimmy of Mbarara High said that his students photographed key sites of interest and shared it before the AGM of the school. Lugya Richard Kibuuka of Bishops Secondary School Mukono said that on one of his monthly visits, the Bishop of Mukono diocese who is also the school’s Board of Governors’ Chairman, received questions and comments from students beforehand recorded on one of the tablets. The recording helped shy students to have their questions raised and answered and at the same time it meant more students were able to raise their issues for the Bishop to give his feedback. In a live event, very few students would have had chance to talk. Wamanga commended the students of Bishops and Mbarara High for taking the initiative of creatively solving a problem with the tablets. He pointed out that young people need to be guided to utilize technology for the right and constructive purposes, lest they abuse it. He also encouraged the teachers to make sure that they become very comfortable in using technology lest they stigmatize themselves out of embarrassment. Wamanga further urged the teachers to engage their students in content creation projects like digital content creation for learning purposes. He also encouraged them to ensure that there is feedback to their students’ learning projects. Members present agreed to attempt a Skype conferencing using the UCC donated Samsung Galaxy Tablets on Friday 10th from 5.00pm to 5.30pm. This was aimed at making the patrons get acclimatized with online conferencing and help them better guide and prepare their learners for anticipated online conferencing with all the clubs in third term, 2018. Wamanga challenged the teachers to sustain the use of the Samsung Galaxy tablets by loading bundles on them for use by their students. He further urged them to initiatives of collaborating with sister clubs in projects for learning.
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KAWA Work plan for the ICT Clubs in 2018 Chole and Wamanga collaboratively shared KAWA’s proposed workplan as indicated below: The club patrons were urged to formulate their respective action plans aligned with that of KAWA. TERM MONTH DATE th II JUNE Mon. 18 June to Wed 18th July
ACTIVITY Lunching of ICT Clubs; starting of projects
VENUE The ICT Clubs
Tue. 7th Aug. 2018
Face to face sensitization workshop for Club patrons
MUBS, Nakawa, Kampala
Mon. 30th July – Fri. 3rd Aug.
Follow up calls
The ICT Clubs
Fri. 10th Aug.
Online Conferencing for all Clubs
Virtual
AUG SEPT
Friday 24th Monday 17th Sept
End of Term II, 2018 Beginning of Term III, 2018
OCT
Monday 1st – 31st Oct.
Support Visits and Club Exhibitions
The ICT Club
NOV
Tues 20th Nov.
Announcing the most outstanding Club in 2018
KAWA Office
Mon 3rd Nov
Release of clubs’ bulletin
KAWA Office
Fri 7th Dec.
End of Term III, 2018
JULY
III
DEC
Closing Remarks
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Wamanga Moses thanked all the patrons present for coming and activity participating in the meeting. He then invited the Executive director of KAWA, Paul Rukundo to give his closing remarks. Rukundo Paul thanked all the participants present. He expressed his passion for the wonderful work that KAWA was doing in education and pledged to always support its worthy causes. He said as a former student of St. Mary’s College, Kisubi he felt moved to meet an organization formulated by his teachers and the desire to support them in what they are doing in education grew. He pledged to sort out an issue of delay in installing bundles on the Samsung tablets by the end of that day. He wished all the participants success in their endeavours and declared the meeting closed.
Thank you Chole