Weeklong digital literacy training for head teachers at the Summa Cum Laude (Sango-Madiba) Information and Learning Resource Centre in Ekol Muebah-Nninong, KupeMuanenguba.
By Ngalame Elias
Head Teachers of nursery and primary schools and schools’ focal points in Nninong Bangem Sub Division participate in a week-long training on foundational computer, coding, robotics and the use of arithmetic in solving real-life problems at the Summa Cum Laude (Sango-Madiba) Information and Learning Resource Centre in Ekol Muebah-Nninong.
According workshop concept note, the week long training opened by the divisional delegate of basic education for KupeMuanenguba, seeks to introduce digital literacy to the pupils in various schools, create computer hubs in respective schools, and to sharpen the skills of adult focal points to use computers effectively.
It also aims to address several key aspects including, keyboard Proficiency, understanding operating systems and using common software such as Word Processors, spreadsheet and presentation software ; as well as navigating the internet and managing files.
The training accordingly will permit head teachers sharpen their skills to better impart quality knowledge to pupils in their various schools
“ The modern world is competitive, fast-paced and highly interconnected. Quality education for children at the elementary levels (nursery and primary) also depends on the ability of the teachers to efficiently use and transmit knowledge of digital technology to the pupils,” the release pointed out.
According to experts, computer literacy is increasingly becoming a ticket into the functioning global economy, but billions of people still don’t know how to get one. Most of which are Africans.
Africa seems to be a lost continent in an Information Technology (IT) world being the least computerized continent in the world.
The Summa Cum Laude (Sango-Madiba) Centre’s Summer holidays Digital Literacy Programme seeks to bridge this gap in KupeMuanenguba in particular and Cameroon at large.
“We are beginning this programme in KupeMuanenguba with plans to extend to other remote areas throughout the country,” says Dr Abwe Diabe.
The ongoing training involves equipping teachers and Headteachers in Nninong Clan, Bangem Sub Division with basic skills to find, evaluate, communicate information, using typing or digital media platforms, the release said.
Practical digital skills in coding, robotics and design thinking Foundations and programming using block coding were part of the courses.
The different courses during the training include; Introduction to computer, Introduction to coding, robotics and design thinking Foundations in design thinking and programming using block coding Communication on microsoft and internet, hardware and instructional techniques/safety measures and handling of tool/materials.
Experts say proficiency in computers is an absolute requirement for success in today’s technology-aided society. However, due to financial limitations, many children and youths in Africa have no or limited access to computers or computer learning opportunities.
Also, most decent paying jobs require proficiency in computers and basic office applications. Some job applications are only accepted electronically and require that the applicant have an email address. These stipulations have the effect of “raising the bar” and making even entry-level positions inaccessible for many individuals in Cameroon in particular and Africa in general.
“ It is in response to this growing need, that the Summa Cum Laude (Sango-Madiba) Centre’s Summer holidays Digital Literacy Programme is empowering youths, children , pupils and teachers to achieve computer literacy skills by offering basic computing courses. We are tirelessly working to help close the technology gap that exists in this modern day digital society,” Dr Abwe Diabe Ephraim.
