Don Bosco Youth Technical Institute has launched a project that is aimed at making use of its IT power house to influence the learning and training processes in all technical and vocational courses it offers. The project falls under the broad ICT project supported by the Connect for Change Alliance (C4C) from the Netherlands and wishes to discover ways of using ICT to improve the quality of education and training.
The project brings a shift in the way computers are used in schools by both learners and teachers. The project centres on training students in ICT applications in their specific fields of study to enable them become competitive at the modern labour market and business world. For example students who do construction will be trained in using designing software such as autocad, those doing accountancy they will do accounting packages such as sageline50. The new lab shall give students more time to practice and master the skills. Basic ICT training shall be offered to all groups of students as many of them have not had a chance to interact with computers while at secondary school.
Teachers shall be equipped with the skills to use ICT in teaching. Interactive videos shall be installed for students to learn how some equipment or parts of equipment which may not be readily available work. This shall help to enhance understanding and learning of complex material. Teachers and head teachers will be equipped with Learner Management Systems (LMS) and School Management Systems (SMS) respectively.
The project is not confined to Don Bosco College alone. During the second year, Mchitanjiru Secondary and Primary Schools will be part of the project and will have their own lab which will be used much in a similar way. Currently Don Bosco is already conducting weekend classes in basic computing for the teachers of the schools that are involved in the project.
The first part of the project was left in the hands of students of different sections who played each a role in setting up the new computer lab that uses thin client computer technology (L300). The carpentry students designed and made the tables; Electrical Installation students did the wiring and fittings, whereas ICT students did the networking and configuration of the computers. The library of the college has been turned into an information centre with 20 new computers.
Technology is a drive for economic growth and development and ICT is at the hub of technology. “Information and communication technologies are a key input for economic development and growth. They offer opportunities for global integration while retaining the identity of traditional societies… Finally, ICT can enhance the effectiveness of, efficiency and transparency of the public sector…” (A World Bank Group Strategy – 2002). Offering specific ICT training to college students and exposing the children at primary and secondary to ICTs will spur this development as it shall develop critical attitude and develop a creative mind.
Partners in the project are Mchitanjiru Primary and Secondary and Namitete Technical College.
2012 Networking+ Class doing the installation