As the use of information technology increases throughout the world, the school systems in Cameroon are bound to keep pace. Students and teachers are therefore called upon to use more technical tools in the production of course materials and student projects. Basic skills such as using computers, from the use of email to power point presentation have become a core competency.
Studies have shown that the use of computers in every level of education opens a new era of knowledge and offers a tool that has the potential to change existing educational methods. Within most secondary and high schools in Cameroon, computer technology has become a fundamental part of education and will likely be more so in the future. However, a fundamental problem today is the effective exploitation of this resource in the educational system by teachers. Educators must be prepared for the use of this technology in classrooms because the role of teacher is now evolving from giving information to facilitator of learning. To achieve this goal, the following basic principles have to be met by institutions:
- Teachers must obtain the fundamental concepts, knowledge and skills for applying technology in educational settings. There is an urgent need for purchasing sufficient hardware and software for basic education in schools and thus making computer and related technology part of classroom teaching activities. A laboratory to ensure student/teacher access to computers during school hours is a necessity.
- The second need is for in-service training in computer technology. The effectiveness of teachers is a determinant to educational quality. In service training is therefore important to enhance the effectiveness of teachers. Teachers need to receive training which will build their confidence so they can become capable of dealing with the latest technology.
- The final step is training students to become effective users of the internet for research. Students need to learn how to use technology to design, develop, publish and present products. They will hence use technology resources that demonstrate and communicate concepts inside and outside the classroom as they prepare for the real world. It is therefore imperative for institutions to seize this opportunity by defining and implementing technology skills as a first step in assuring all students become proficient information technology users in future.
- Teachers must obtain the fundamental concepts, knowledge and skills for applying technology in educational settings. There is an urgent need for purchasing sufficient hardware and software for basic education in schools and thus making computer and related technology part of classroom teaching activities. A laboratory to ensure student/teacher access to computers during school hours is a necessity.
- The second need is for in-service training in computer technology. The effectiveness of teachers is a determinant to educational quality. In service training is therefore important to enhance the effectiveness of teachers. Teachers need to receive training which will build their confidence so they can become capable of dealing with the latest technology.
- The final step is training students to become effective users of the internet for research. Students need to learn how to use technology to design, develop, publish and present products. They will hence use technology resources that demonstrate and communicate concepts inside and outside the classroom as they prepare for the real world. It is therefore imperative for institutions to seize this opportunity by defining and implementing technology skills as a first step in assuring all students become proficient information technology users in future.
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