A new digital learning application (App) for primary school learners in Uganda was days ago launched in Kampala, which government said will help children in lower primary better understand literacy and mathematics.
Michael Ochero, who represented the ministry of Information and Communications Technology (ICT), at the launch of the application said technology has come up as a fundamental tool that is taking the world toward digitalisation.
He observed that having interactive learning tools for the children is a good step towards development in Uganda.
“If this App is fully utilized, it will be a way of keeping children alert and creative. It will also be a good way of encouraging children to use the Internet for better reasons. Checheza has the full support from the ministry of ICT and we shall work hard to ensure that its applicability spreads to the rest of the country, especially rural areas, so that the education ground is levelled for both urban and rural schools,” he said.
While Humphrey Mukooyo, who represented the Education ministry, said the integration of ICT in teaching and learning will create equality by enabling disadvantaged learners and teachers in rural areas to access the same information in real time like their urban counterparts.
He added that education institutions will be empowered to utilise more than one teaching method.
Mukooyo said the government would provide affordable computers to schools and connect them to the Internet to demystify ICT and prevent innovations such as Checheza from atrophying.
Katrina Stensson, the chief executive officer of Checheza, the organization that developed the application, said it will allow learners to read, write, count and play games anywhere on smartphones or tablets without an Internet connection.
There are currently 150 pupils at a digital learning center in Bududa District to pilot how the digital platform works.
“Many children leave school without essential skills. It is time to look for new solutions,” said Stensson, adding: “When we make learning practical and fun, it will improve the learning effects. Playing the learning game on a smart phone at home makes it possible to improve performance in school.”
The new application is currently available in English and Kiswahili, Uganda’s two official languages, but will be upgraded with time to include other local languages so that its content is localised for the children.