Computer Lab
Background
The experiences in the use of Information and Communications Technology - ICT in the developed world is
helping African countries to catch up fast in the use of ICT, whether it is for business development or consumers
use. Also there is widespread use of cell phones making communications much accessible.
In some affluent schools, ICT has been incorporated to enhance education through “Computer Assisted Learning” - CAL in their curriculum. Most other schools are not that fortunate
Universities in Ghana do offer computer science and communication degrees so it is only at university level students get the most exposure in computers.
In the world we are living today CAL and proficiency in the efficient use of computers is not only essential, it is
absolutely necessary.
Problem Statement and Needs Assessment
Africa faces a lot of challenges to introduce computers in schools to enhance the learning process. There is
limited infrastructure, physical and financial resources but more importantly fewer home grown professionals to ensure structured learning and continuity of programs. Schools in the rural areas face even more challenges.
Realizing this extremely crucial and urgent need, AKCLF has for some time been in discussions with the Mfantseman Municipality and Obama College management to establish a Computer Lab. Obama
College is located in Mankessim and is a typical high school with dedicated teachers and very enthusiastic students. It has 300 students and students join universities and vocational training upon completion of high school. The college is also within close proximity of nearby universities where AKCLF sponsors students. These students in particular and other students in general would be an invaluable human resources for the computer project when it starts.
The School Management has very kindly made available an administrative room to transform into the computer
lab. For these reasons,Obama College has been selected to benefit in this intervention and serve as a prototype.
The Project
Computer room – The former administrative office will be transformed to the computer lab project
Physical Facility - Some refurbishment, painting, and electrical works will need to be done. The parents, community members,professionals in the area, and the faculty have pledged to volunteer their time and
expertise.
Computer hardware, software and maintenance; – Financing and procurement through AKCLF for 9 computers, printers and scanner. These would be procured locally in Cape Coast.
Proposal
Two years pilot phase with ongoing evaluation and summative evaluation at end of project. At the end
of the year 1 and depending on the mid-phase evaluation and also resources available at the time, more
outreach schools will be included.
Staffing
Obama college staff, AKCLF scholarship alumni Edward Koomson- B.Com, Ayuba Essel Quansah - Bsc Tourism,
and other scholarship alumni’s, nearby university student from time to time. Except for college staff who
are already full time, all others would volunteer their time and expertise.
Training Courses and workshops
Microsoft office word and excel, power point presentation, graphics, web designs, internet research.
Beneficiaries
Students of Obama college, summer and holiday programs for other neighboring school students.
Project Monitoring
The Project Team - PT has been appointed to oversee the project. PT consists of 5 members representing the school and AKCLF members.. The PT will meet once in three months. The day to day overseeing will be done
by the Headmaster or his designate.
Project Evaluation
Ongoing evaluation will be judged from students and faculty feedback,
Mid project evaluation – end of year 1. A faculty member from computer science department at Cape Coast university will be commissioned. Recommendations will be deliberated jointly by the Project Team
Summative evaluation – final evaluation will again be commissioned to a local professional. Recommendations
will be deliberated jointly deliberated by the Project Team
Conclusion
The Computer lab is scheduled to start before end of September, 2013. Everybody involved in the project
is tirelessly working to achieve this milestone. Unlike many high cost projects which also aim at enhancing student learning, AKCLF believes that one can still attain same results albeit even more pronounced from well thought out inexpensive approaches utilizing locally available resources. Understanding the local environment is paramount to successes of such innovative projects.