The Institute for Educational Planning and Administration (IEPA) at the University of Cape Coast (UCC) has organised a capacity-building and training workshop for teachers of Nsadwir M/A Basic School in Information and Communication Technology (ICT).
The workshop, which formed part of the school’s 20th anniversary celebrations, was held to build teachers’ competence in using digital tools effectively in the classroom to enhance teaching and learning.
An Assistant Research Fellow at IEPA, Mr. T. K. Odame Danso, who spoke on the topic “Using ICT Tools for Effective Teaching,” advised basic school teachers to upgrade their ICT skills to remain relevant in today’s digital world.
Mr. T. K. Odame Danso speaking at the workshop
He noted that teachers, as pivots of development who play a vital role in raising children, must understand ICT in order to impart the knowledge to their pupils.
He therefore urged them to see ICT as a global development tool and make the effort to acquire the necessary skills to contribute to the progress of their communities and the country.
According to him, ICT helps make abstract concepts concrete, saves time, improves literacy and numeracy, prepares learners for the digital world, and enhances assessment and feedback.
He also mentioned limited computers, shared devices, unstable internet, large class sizes, and limited training as some of the challenges affecting effective ICT integration in Ghanaian schools.
Mr. Danso encouraged teachers to be ICT-compliant in order to meet the demands of modern teaching.
He took the teachers through global advancements in the teaching profession, demonstrating how knowledge is delivered using various digital tools and resources and the vast opportunities available.
He emphasised that teaching was a call to societal development and nation-building and therefore urged teachers to hold themselves in high esteem and not feel dejected because of unfavourable working conditions, but rather adopt ingenuity to remain relevant.
“Without technological knowledge in today’s world, you won’t be useful. For instance, AI has come to stay, and it’s left for you to maximize its usage so you can make more impact on your students,” he said.
Speaking on the topic “Effective Classroom Management,” a Senior Lecturer at IEPA, Dr. Gloria Kankam Boadu, said classroom management was a foundational component of successful teaching and learning.
Dr. Gloria Kankam Boadu addressing the workshop
“It encompasses the strategies, practices, and organisational techniques that teachers employ to create a structured, productive, and positive learning environment,” she stated.
According to her, classroom management promotes productive learning environments and influences learners’ achievement, engagement, and behaviour.
She added that learners feel secure and supported when classrooms are well managed, leading to optimal performance.
She stressed that classroom management was not only about regulating behaviour but also designing learning experiences that keep students actively engaged.
Dr. Gloria Kankam Boadu (right) presenting the books to Madam Philomena Ama Adjei
The Head Teacher of Nsadwir M/A Basic School, Madam Philomena Ama Adjei, thanked IEPA for organising the training, saying it was crucial for every teacher to acquire ICT skills in today’s modern society.
She assured that teachers would apply the knowledge gained to benefit their learners.
As a gesture of goodwill, IEPA, led by Dr. Gloria Kankam Boadu, presented 100 branded IEPA exercise books to Nsadwir M/A Basic School.
Source: Documentation and Information Section