Computer Labs a necessity in schools

Computer labs a necessity in schools
Paul R. Aruho

There has been a wave of computer studies in our schools. In most schools, parents have been forced to stretch deeper into their pockets to fund the setting up of computer labs. Though setting these labs take time and money they are very important to our education system.

In most schools I have travelled to, there are many limitations that have frustrated school administrations to make this dream come true. Administrators squeeze as much as possible to use the few computers available to introduce basic computer skills to their students.

There should be an effort to prepare schools to accept the technology. This means convincing parents and teachers about the need to put up a computer lab in a school.
Certain basic infrastructure such as electricity, phone lines, school buildings, safe and secure environment and insurance should be emphasised. Certain minimum infrastructure requirements are important to enable the use of ICT.

In Mbale secondary school, which has a population of over 3,000 students, there is less than 25 computers. Curious students just stand in front the screen, and many hardly touch the mouse. The computer lab is also small which does not make it comfortable for students to have their lesson.

But their teacher Mr Charles Mubiru, feels this is a good beginning. He says the small number of students who in my classroom touch a computer is an indication that there is a bigger challenge and an eye opener to school administrators and parents.

Teachers need to understand the application of ICT to support their teaching and administration. Therefore, a policy should be set up to identify ways of improving teacher capacity in the use of ICT as well as their specific integration into teaching systems and pedagogical models. The policy should also outline the type of additional staff required to support computers and related technologies

Information and Computer technology needs to be available to a large number of students and teachers. Existing computer technology is still not appropriate in terms of complexity and cost for school environment. Cheaper-easier-to use technology must be developed and implemented in schools to allow a greater use among students and teachers.

There also an urgent need to train teachers in the use of ICTs in schools. Majority of teachers in our schools don’t know how to use computers. The profession development of teachers sits at the heart of any successful technology and education program. Teachers not only need formal training but also sustained and on going support form colleges to help them learn how best to integrate technology in their teaching.

Teachers need to be able to transform their classes from places where a static one-way flow of information from a teacher to students occur, into a dynamic, student centred learning environment. Through the use of Internet, learners can be able to interact with peers in teams, both in their classrooms as well as vital classes around the world.

Most teachers however are intimidated by technology and are comfortable with their own old teaching styles. There is need to generate confidence in teachers about ICTs. Teachers should be able to have personal access if not, the full potential of ICT will remain untapped. This confidence will enable teachers to know when and how to use ICTs in classrooms and when not to use it.

Teachers should be helped to use technology as a tool and transform their classrooms into interactive, inquisitive learning environments.