This Ghana Teacher Doesn’t Use a Computer to Teach Kids How To Use a Computer
It doesn’t take a brain surgeon to figure that computers are rare in rural areas. However, in our world, the need to learn about computers and how to use them is more and more important. This can make things tricky in a classroom that doesn’t have any computers. Richard Appiah Akoto has found a way to teach his middle school students what they need to know to pass their exams without one. He uses his blackboard.
Akoto draws a computer screen on his blackboard in surprising detail. Malaka Gharib of NPR talked to Akoto and when asked about if his students are able to apply the skills, Akoto responded:
“Yes, but not with ease. They sometimes fumble behind the real computers. [Teaching with a real computer] would be easier for them.”
When Microsoft heard about the situation, they offered to provide a machine. Sadly, to make it really worth it, they would need to provide about 50 computers. Maybe we can put some pressure on Microsoft to help get the computers needed there and elsewhere, or maybe we can get a crowdfunding project going. I know it’s a big project and I think what Akoto is doing is incredible. Heck, let’s not discount that Microsoft has offered something. Let’s find ways to do more though.