GINKS Holds Forum On Ict Training In Schools

Ghana Information Network for Knowledge Sharing (GINKS) yesterday held a forum on Information Communication Technology (ICT) training in schools in Accra.

The forum dubbed, 'Building Ghana through ICT, Achievements and Challenges,' is to identify the prospects and challenges associated with the use of ICT as a tool for development.

The Head of Science Education Unit at the Ministry of Education, Science and Sports, Mrs. Sophia Awotwi, noted that the Ministry is committed to the development of ICT based tools and systems to facilitate the process of improving the quality of education, training and sports at all levels.

She said the Ministry is also involved in two key strategic plans to roll out ICTs in the educational institutions as a means to address some of the challenges in the educational system.

Mrs Awotwi said the Government of Ghana in 2003 launched an ICT for Accelerated Development policy to help drive the national development agenda.

She stated that the policy seeks to 'transform the educational system to provide educational, training services and an environment capable of producing the right types of skills and human resources required for developing and driving Ghana's information and knowledge based economy and society'.

Mrs Abigail Thompson, the Resident Director of the University Studies Abroad Consortium (USAC) and an ICT Consultant, said ICT can be used as a tool for administration and management by various institutions, as a subject matter in schools and also as a teaching aid to enhance teaching in schools.

She identified inadequacy of computers in schools as a challenge facing ICT development and said this problem can be solved by maintaining and putting to good use the few computers that are available.

Mrs Thompson advised the youth against the use of internet facilities for negative internet practices but rather use them for beneficial research activities.

She urged all not to see the use of ICT as a gender based area but rather embrace the use of ICT tools to help in the development of the country.