The ManicaPost
The use of e-learning visual aids and teaching of computers at Early Child Development (ECD) level will come under spotlight this Saturday at a one day workshop organised by Dzidzo Inhaka Audio Visual Learning for ECD teachers, administrators and directors to be held at Blessed Angels ECD Centre on 28 March.
The workshop themed “E-learning in the new curriculum” stems from the disturbing observation that ECD centres are not practically teaching computers as subscribed by the new curriculum.
In an interview with The Manica Post, Dzidzo Inhaka Audio Visual Learning Executive Director, Shepherd Chimururi who will facilitate the workshop explained that even though they are based in Harare where they have trained to trained over 400 teachers they felt it was time to take the initiative nationally.
“Firstly, we have organised this workshop to complement government’s efforts in implementing the STEM programme at ECD level. The current ECD curriculum clearly states a child should be able to name basic computer components, switch on and off a computer, select computer programmes using keyboard and mouse, use computer to play games, draw, paint and print, identify and match colours on the computer, make patterns on the computer, observe safety when operating equipment, among other activities,” said.
“From our researches as Dzidzo Inhaka, we have observed very few schools are implementing this noble initiative. In our researches, we have discovered that of the ECD centres that claim to offer computer studies 90% percent are just paying lip service as a marketing gimmick. ECD pupils are being short changed. In most cases computer lessons are limited to naming of computer parts. A further 5% percent offer haphazard computer games without any consideration of what the curriculum recommends. No proper planning, teaching and evaluation is carried out. Nothing is mentioned in the child’s progress report.” he added
The call for the workshop is meant to find solutions to challenges which are inhibiting the growth of e-learning at ECD level which include lack of trained teachers who can teach computers, lack of IT equipment, unavailability of standard and age appropriate softwares, to name but a few.
“We want to conscientize ECD teachers, directors, administrators and principals about the importance of e-learning to ECD children – that e-learning is not just about teaching computers but also the use of audio visual teaching aids as children learn using their senses.
The best teacher is the one who make a child to see, hear, feel, and talk education. Computer education has long term benefit to children.
There are several facets of child development affected by computer education. These include intelligence (IQ), Emotional Intelligence (EQ), Fluid Intelligence and Novelty, Hand Eye coordination, Skills Development, Mathematical Abilities, Social contact, among others.
By use of e-learning audio visual aids this will lessen the burden on the teacher of explaining abstract concepts as well as enhance better understanding to learners in a relaxing and exciting environment. In the long term children who become skilled in computer operation at tender age will be easy to empower with life surviving skills as computers are now part and parcel of our every days lives. Their economic future will be secured.
The major highlight at the workshop with will be practical computer demonstration by ECD children from Sheali E-learning and ECD centre.
The blockbuster workshop is expected to be a resounding success with pro education NGO Plan International having confirmed. Officials from the Ministry of Education are expected to grace the occasion. Dzidzo Inhaka have engaged popular dancehall artiste Seh Calaz to do an e-learning themed song entitled “E-learning irikubvira”.
