In today's education, reading and writing are among the factors considered to be fundamental elements in language learning, especially when learners have access to the internet.
Blessings Rukundo, an S4 student at GS Murama in Bugesera District is an example of the beneficiaries of the internet connectivity at her school.
She has been able to use technology through ICT lessons to sharpen her poetry and writing skills.
"Before the introduction of internet connectivity, my knowledge of poetry was limited. I used to rely only on theory.
"At the moment, I can do research, especially on artistic work, and also read more about other authors and their books by using computers,” she says.
Emmanuella Bushakebwimana, an S6 student from the same school attests that as a student of Mathematics Economics-Geography combination, the use of technology has helped in promoting understanding of key concepts.
"For instance, before, I didn’t know how to use spreadsheets and dynamic geometry, something I can do now with ease, thus providing access to various information as far as mathematics and geographical contexts are concerned,” she says.
Meanwhile, Elise Rukundo, another student, has been able to sharpen his English skills through research by use of easy connectivity.
He says that using his time well during ICT classes has seen him acquire language skills as well as develop his thinking capacity something that would have never happened while in theoretical class.
Why ICT in education
Nitzan Shimoni, director of SDGs Education and people with disability at the Embassy of Israel believes that the idea of education, in general, is not just about theory.
In fact, he says, ICT in learning facilitates engagement and knowledge retention, explaining that when the use of computers is integrated into lessons, learners are likely to be more active thus improving the engagement aspect.
"When learners are allowed to do research by themselves, it helps them believe in themselves,” he says.
Shimoni adds that when educators use theory only to teach and in this case they are the main instructors, it’s easier to promote boredom among learners.
"When you let them learn and do research using computers, they not only gain unlimited knowledge in certain areas of their studies but also, this skill teaches them how to find out and do things by themselves without relying on another person, which helps in promoting their independent skills,” he says.
Josephine Nyiransabimana, an ICT teacher in Bugesera says just like learners in urban cities, having internet connectivity in rural schools is very crucial as it ensures all students access to information, something that will ensure they are all on the same level regardless of where they are studying from.
As an educator, she says through internet connectivity, she uses ICT to facilitate her lessons; she also uses this as a tool to help meet the different needs of students through practice.
In this digital world, Nyiransabimana notes that educators can use technology skills to help provide better educational content as well as effective teaching practices to learners.
In addition to this, she says when you are using practical teaching; it helps in the process of transitioning from teacher-centered instruction to learner-centered instruction, which is very vital as far as learning is concerned.
Joseph Nzeyimana, Government chief information officer in Bugesera says ICT plays a significant role in all aspects of modern society not only in the school environment.
She notes that this will help learners understand how to communicate with each other, how to get needed information, work, as well as conduct business when they get out of the school environment.
According to her, ICT provides students with the skills, knowledge, and experiences necessary to enter the labor market or continue with further occupational education or training in the future,” she says.