SIMON’S REPORT 16: No lack of enthusiasm…but we need more laptops!

Following the fieldwork I carried out for the last week, here is a report on the performance and progress of the pilot projects around Lewa at the institutions targeted by the Ntugi group.

Monday: Ntugi Secondary

At Ntugi, the spirit of collaboration and creativity in project development has been shown by the performance of the Computer Club. The Club is growing larger every day - 35 students now - and there is much more contact time between the students and the OLPC XO’s.

Last week, I introduced the club to the Sugar operating system’s  ability to share activities between several students and now it is being well practiced and peer editing is improving the students typing speed, grammar. It is  helping more in sharing of ideas, especially the write activity. It’s a forward step in development.

Tuesday: Ngare Ndare Secondary/Lewa Primary

I carry four XO laptops in a backpack to these two schools. I use two int he morning at one school, and then two in the afternoon at the other. This is because there is no power yet at the schools, and I have to conserve two with full batteries for the afternoon school.

With only two laptops to use at Ngare Ndare Secondary and Lewa Primary, my main teaching is limited to the teachers’ PD. We are helping them expand their knowledge on the abilities of the XO’s, and on computer and Internet literacy, and with this basement of knowledge, they can develop projects to suit their preferences in teaching once they get enough laptops for the students. They are also happy to learn computer skills like typing and computer operation. In a way this is good because the teachers will be ready for the students who learn so fast at a young age that it can be hard for teachers if they are not given sufficient and advance training.

Wednesday: Subuiga Primary

I am at Subuiga all day so I can deploy allfour laptops in my portable backpack kit.  Unlike Ngare Ndare and Lewa Primary, at Subuiga at least a small group of students can be included in the program. I am working with the administration to set a regular time for the students. With the whole day there I should be able to handle both the teachers and the students group.

Thursday: Lewa Conservation Education Centre

As there is constant development at the new Conservation Education Centre, one of the development targeted is the computer lab, and the development of fun environmental and conservation-related activities. I am using the Scratch Activity to develop some designed games that will help in teaching the students visiting Lewa different conservation ideas. Apart from games, there will also be presentations by use of the laptops. But, last Thursday we had a black out and were not able to do anything with the laptops.

 Friday: Leparua Primary

Leparua is a wondeful school full of ambitious students and very willing to participate in new projects. Leparua students have adapted to the new way of collaboration learning where they are using the shared Write Activity in asking and answering each other questions and competing to be the best group. This is promising to improve their learning in school since every group wants to always win by asking the toughest questions and answering many questions. The teachers are also becoming interested in this since every teacher wants his/her subjects discussed for better results.

Am looking forward towards next week.

Post by Simon Mwangangi