Including teachers in laptop project critical

The assertion by the global CEO of the One Laptop Per Child programme to make teachers part of the programme, will go a long way in concretising Rwanda’s ambitions of becoming a centre of excellence in Information Communication Technology matters.Much as over 200,000 laptops have been distributed under the programme to more than 400 primary schools, there is need to bring teachers on board. Their exposure will make them better equipped to fully exploit the educational opportunities the computers will bring to the children.The major reason is, naturally, teachers being the facilitators to the children who get the laptops, it makes sense to make them better acquainted with the equipment to be able to help their pupils from an informed position.Even though some have undergone basic ICT training, they need to have adequate and up to date equipment because technology requires continuous upgrading and education. Secondly, a teacher is in most cases seen as the role model of a child, especially those who fall in the age group that the programme targets – primary school pupils – so it will be difficult for a child to start using a machine that they do not see their role model using, especially in rural schools.The mainstreaming of teachers in the programme will also contribute to popularising the digitisation of the school curriculum that is in the pipeline. Teachers are revered and are usually opinion leaders in communities. Having them at the helm of this programme, also increases the chances of meeting the programme objectives.

Opinions

Including teachers in laptop project critical