Peter Banda, a Grade 7 Impact Network student, recalls his initial encounter with technology at his school:
“When I first got into this school, I had no ICT skills. My first contact with a tablet was in this school. Having been given this opportunity, I can now attest that I am able to operate and use the technology with very minimal supervision.”
Before the introduction of eLearning, Peter found it challenging to retain information:
“In the earlier days before eLearning was introduced, I used to find it difficult to remember what was taught because some lessons were hard for me to remember without anything to look at.”
The integration of visual aids transformed his learning experience:
“I enjoy the lessons when they are projected on the wall and I pay more attention. At times it feels like am watching a cartoon which helps me to learn the material faster because it is interesting and brings something real in a classroom.”
Peter emphasizes the benefits of group work facilitated by technology:
“The lessons on the tablets are awesome because it gets us engaged as a class. I love group work. We all interact and work as a group whereas before the teacher would do an exercise on the board and each student would hide their answer whether it is right or wrong.”
Reflecting on his progress, Peter notes:
“When I compare my performance before and now, I can truly attest to the fact that my grades have improved, and I am more zealous and positive minded than I was before. Visual learning is so much easier and fun.”
He concludes with optimism about his future:
“I look forward to so much more that I will learn with regards to ICT skill acquisition.”
Name has been changed to protect the student’s identity.