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Peter Tanyanyiwa Youth Interactive Correspondent
Schools in Harare should form computer science clubs from the junior level to help pupils prepare themselves for today’s technologically advanced world as computer systems continue to be advanced.
This was said at the inaugural computer science junior schools e-sport tournament for pupils aged under 13 that was hosted by Dzidzo Inhaka Audio Visual Learning recently at Theatre in the Park, Harare.
Eight junior schools participated. Mother Touch Group of Schools Junior School dominated this inaugural edition of the junior schools computer science e-tournament followed by Derbyshire Junior and Living Hope Junior respectively.
The organisers urged schools to create clubs that will focus on teaching pupils computer science in a competitive and fun way. From the tournament one could see pupils enjoying themselves and eager to finish their tasks, to the point that even when the judges said it was time up, the pupils would continue with the hope to finish their ICT tasks.
Organisers said they managed to extract subjects from the ICT syllabus and turn them into competitive tasks which pupils enjoyed. They also incorporated CALA topics.
“This was the first ever junior school computer science e-sport tournament. Basically we have turned computer science education into a sport so that the young learners can enjoy the process. We are extracting topics from the ICT syllabus, for example power point presentation, text formatting, and drawing using different software,” said Shepherd Chimururi, one of the organisers.
“We also touched on CALA topics, and parents were amazed that if it is done in an interesting way, it can really be fun for the little ones, so they really enjoyed it. In this light, we want to urge schools in Harare to create computer science clubs at the junior level to help the pupils adapt to using computers at a young age and they will never go wrong.”
A teacher from Dawn Academy, Miss Rumbidzai Gambiza, said that she was impressed with her junior students’ performance at the tournament and said that the young learners are now better at operating computers than many adults, which will help them in their learning process.
“I was really impressed by how my school performed against group A schools. This shows us that no matter the background of the school or pupil, if learning is done correctly, they can prosper.
“From what we witnessed here today I can tell you confidently that these under-12 learners can operate computers better than many adults and this is a plus as they are still young and can go far because of such expertise and technical knowledge,” said Gambiza.
Another teacher from Haxton boarding schools, Mr Caleb Prazen, said he was happy with how the young learners demonstrated skills in tackling different ICT topics.
“He also said that such computer skills competitions help in furthering the ICT agenda.
“I was really impressed with junior pupils as they were exhibiting their skills in graphic designing, as well as formatting and typing, and this really furthers the ICT agenda of our country and education-wise.
“These computer science games open the learners’ minds from a young age and this goes a long way in cementing their learning foundation,” said Mr Prazen.
Dairiboard Zimbabwe provided hampers and refreshments; Dariro Mode did the branding and provided medals.
Online Reporter