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Shepherd Chimururi
Youth Interactive Correspondent
Super e-Fridays rock us best!
This is a bold statement coming from pupils enjoying computer lessons at Canonbury Junior School who are enjoying learning using game-based activities every Friday.
Learning computers can be boring to pupils if done in a strict formal way but when the lessons are gamified it all turns out into a fun-filled exciting activity.
Using this strategy the school has managed to achieve a whopping 100% computer literacy rate for all students at the school from ECD up to primary which is a key goal of the Education 5.0 being pursued by the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education. The parents who have long yearned to see their children fit in the global village are loving it too.
Stacey Gondo a Grade six learner, says that learning computers has been exciting since the school adopted the gamification strategy.
“Every pupil at our school looks forward to the Friday computer lessons. This year it has been really fun during computer lessons unlike before when the approach was too formal. We are indeed learning through play. Gamification has brought us a lots of benefits which are exciting and fun. The advantage is that the games stimulate interest and help me learn keyboard keys location with speed.”
“Whether it’s a lesson on copying and pasting, text formatting or designing of a greeting card our ICT teacher always find a way of making it fun. As pupils we are always looking forward to the lesson to outclass each other. Sometimes we learn in pairs and sometimes as individuals. Like last time when we did copy and paste the best student managed to paste on 450 pages using keyboard short cuts. That was so magical,” she said.
The pupils have since taken the lessons home and utilising the skills in other learning areas. Ray
Mudede, a Grade 6 pupil, said he uses his computer skills for both learning and entertainment. “At home I use my computer skills to play games for entertainment. If want to relax I watch movies on my laptop. But I also do serious stuff like researching on Google and graphic designing.”
He further added, “Students must be articulate in computers because everything is now about computers nowadays. At college you need computer skills even at work so it’s advisable to learn them whilst young. But more importantly I am looking forward to designing my own mobile applications and game that I want to use and play with my friends.”
The gamified learning will reach climax in November when the learners are expected to compete in computer skills competitions which will be graced by their parents. Nicole Nyamahowa, a Grade 4 learner said she is practising hard and raring to go.
“I have always been fascinated by gaming but competing in front of our parents is going to motivate us to win. If I win I will consider a career in gaming but for now I have to work on my typing speed first. My strength is in mouse skills any games that requires manipulation of the mouse I always come on top.
“I hope the judges will be fair. In fact I wish if we can be given activities that can be marked automatically be the computer to avoid cheating like in Sebran,” she said.
Perhaps the testimonies by students call for the gamification of other subjects just like how it is done at ECD level where learners learn through play and excel.
Online Reporter