OLPC trains kids in programming

After a successful roll out, now One Laptop per Child (OLPC) officials have embarked on a computer programming training project across all primary schools covered by the project. The training covers two game programming languages –Etoys, Scratch-and digital journalism. Speaking at the close of a five-day summer training camp at Kagugu Primary School yesterday, OLPC Programme Coordinator Richard Niyonkuru said the training was in line with the ministry’s efforts to ensure computer-based skills are taught in schools. “The training will challenge the students to use the laptops to do more than just typing. To engage their creativity and build confidence as they learn different skills and opportunities within ICT,” Niyonkuru said. Niyonkuru added that the training was also aimed at encouraging teachers to teach the children more applications available in the laptops. “We are training more teachers to boost their capacities to use in classrooms,” Niyonkuru said. The training comes to boost ongoing efforts to introduce “learning by doing” teaching model in all schools. The students are being challenged to use the issued laptops to create games, newspaper articles and to tap into their innovativeness and creativity as they explore the machines. OLPC Vice President, David Cavallo added that the camp was meant to engage the children’s creativity and expose them to possible careers through information technology. “Programming will assist the students to conceptualize what they have learned in their classrooms. The programmes we are teaching will engage their understanding of math and sciences,” OLPC Herve R Munyorangeri said. Ends