A new learning atmosphere is permeating public schools in Edo State, following the introduction of a mobile learning device called ‘Teachers Computer (TC)’ by Governor Godwin Obaseki.
With the TC, teachers of public primary schools in the state teach, assess pupils’ performance and take daily school attendance. The device also serves as tool for the monitoring of teachers attendance and punctuality.
Launched last year, the programme is being implemented under the Edo Basic Education Sector Transformation (Edo BEST). Over 5,000 public school teachers have been trained on the use of the TC. The state’s basic education curriculum was also reviewed to align with the transformation programme.
A parent, Jude Osaro, said the programme has turned around the fortunes of public schools in the state when compared to what was obtainable in the past.
He said his child has really improved as he is eager to learn and can now read better than before the introduction of the programme. Unlike in the past when most pupils in public schools could not read at primary five, Osaro said at primary three, pupils of government owned schools, especially in Benin City, can now read.
“In the past, public schools were nothing to write home about. But just like in private schools, the pupils now want to learn. Unlike in the past when there was nothing like homework, now daily our children come home with assignment.
“Now many of them can read and write. The training given to the teachers has really changed the tide,” he said.
Also speaking, another parent who gave his name as Jimoh A, said he has noticed improvement in the academic performance of his children.
“There is much improvement in public schools. You know it is not long they started but the programme is doing well already with most of the children in public schools now able to read.
“Though it is not where we want it to be, but I think by the time the programme is implemented for four years, public primary schools would be the best,” he said.
A teacher in one of the public schools who spoke to our reporter on condition of anonymity, also said the Edo BEST programme has changed the orientation and attitude of teachers and pupils in public schools.
“I can tell you that Edo BEST is really working. The children have really improved in academic performance as a result of this programme. Now you can see a primary three pupil who is able to read, something that was difficult in the past.
“We have been trained and given teaching tools, including mobile tablets. It is not long we started but we are making progress.
“The programme has increased pupils’ enrolment into public primary schools across the state. Unlike in the past when parents removed their children from public schools on account of poor performance,” he said.
At Emotan primary school in Benin, our correspondent observed that most of the classes had 60 to 70 pupils.
Explaining how the TC has transformed teaching in the state, a teacher at Emotan primary school, Sandra Oroherhator said, “From the stage of using diary and jotters, we have moved to the next level, where we are using TC, Teachers’ Computer.
“Right now, we don’t use diary and register, we use the TC to mark the register and for our lesson schedules. We also use it to login daily for duty.”
The Head Teacher of Emotan primary school, Mrs. Oti Osariemen, said the state governor participates in the monitoring of teachers’ performance and attendance through the TC.
“A parent once raced to the school when he was called on phone by the Edo BEST to tell him his child is being considered for admission. He was excited that he had received a phone call from the state government.
“That’s the in-thing in the state. Parents, teachers, pupils and government are on the same page now,” she said.
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