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This Wiki page Contains
Details Requested by OLPC Contributor “Community Jury” at January 8, 2010 On-Line Meeting and for FOT Project Application, January 29, 2010
#Contributors Program Project Proposal Form
Memo: #50418 OLPC Ideas for Moshi, Tanzania Area, July 15-24, 2010
#NOVEMBER 2009 WORKSHOP PROPOSAL PREPARED BY TANZANIAN COMMITTEE
Further details of Objectives, Sustainability and Methods for Teacher Exchange Workshops for Capacity Building in Schools of Rural Moshi, Tanzania (Application Form was provided)
#Details Requested by OLPC Contributor “Community Jury” at January 8, 2010 On-Line Meeting
Location: Second Chance Education Centre (Registered Tanzanian NGO) and Honey Badger Lodge and Cultural Centre, Plot 98, Rindi Road, Moshi, TZ


==Project Info==
Objectives:
1) Overall
a) To bring together visiting international teachers who are computer-literate and selected headmasters and teachers of primary and secondary rural schools, plus the directors of the five teaching centres which serve the area, to develop, as a team, efficient and effective modern teaching practices based on the use of XO/Sugar collaborative learning environment and supporting technologies. The ClassActs Mini-Deployment Guide will be useful.
b) To offer this in a total English-Language immersion residential workshop.
c) To create opportunities for rural primary and secondary teachers to bridge the gap between their levels through discussions as to which subjects are most successful and which most lacking in students’ learning. Except for Swahili, all secondary school courses are taught in English; yet the English language proficiency of rural teachers is weak.
d) To collaborate with related NGO projects for Tanzania, such as Solar Electric Light Fund and OLPCorps Stanford (Opendo).


[laptop.org #50418] Teaching Methods Workshop for Rural Teachers featuring XO/Sugar Constructivist Learning for Moshi, Tanzania Area
2) The focus of the initial workshop will be:
[Tim Russell, Virginia/Washington DC, USA]
a) Math, Sciences (Biology, Chemistry and Physics) and Civics, subject areas that have been identified by headmasters as those presenting most difficulty in teaching and for students in passing government examinations. We will use information from existing XO projects in the science areas to demonstrate to teachers the ways in which their science curriculum could be taught using Sugar/XO activities. We will introduce them to the collaborative problem solving applications which use Sugar activities and features such as the recorder, the camera, the video, drawing, measuring and documenting. We will present information on using sensors; introduce the physics activity; discus projects where students learn about the ecology and biology of their village.
Health education will also be addressed through the Sciences and Civics. On paper, the Tanzanian Ministry of Education requires that Information Technology be taught, but there is a disconnect between demand and reality for the rural schools. The XO environment, although not Microsoft, still introduces learners to basic skills for ICT : keyboards, mouse, selection, drag and drop graphical user interfaces. Taking apart and reassembling the XO could be a confidence building activity for some of the teachers.


=='''Project Title & Shipment Detail'''==
b) the development of English language fluency which is intrinsic to the workshop. The XO laptops will be used to build English language skills. The Speak tool for pronunciation and spelling, recording audio reading of texts can be loaded into the XO. Lesson plans developed by the team will be added and adapted for XO use either as rich text or html. Teachers will learn how to create rich text documents to complement everyday lessons and review for government exams.
This application of on-line lessons/programs and access to the vast resource library of the internet will be valuable aids for development of English. Also, the availability of the laptops during the more relaxed sessions of break and evening activities will reinforce English language learning.


'''Teacher Workshops for Capacity Building in Schools of Rural Moshi, Tanzania'''
c) respect for traditions and intrinsic cultures. The majority of the Moshi rural teachers and students are of the Chagga tribe. Professor R. Sambuli Mosha, presently at DePaul University, Chicago, himself of Chagga origins, who has endorsed the workshop and hopes to be present during its deployment, writes: “In Chaggaland, as in most African societies, the two aspects of indigenous formation, an education for life and a living are inseparable …”(The Heart of Indigenous Africa, A Study of Chagga Educational System, R. Mosha, Garland Publishing, 2000, p. 17). Instruction in computer technology and its application for teachers and, in turn, students, will help provide this education for life and for living in the workplace and at institutions of higher education for these Tanzanians in this 21st century.


''Shipping Address #1 ''
Sustainability
Tim Russell, 3003 Voyage Drive, Stafford, VA 22554
The laptops will be stored in the secure area of the library at Second Chance Education Centre, made available for teachers to use there or to check out for use for a limited time at their schools (assuming solutions for recharging batteries have been found). A substantial financial fine will be imposed if the laptop is not returned. The goal is for the participating headmasters and teachers to return to their schools as mentors for their colleagues, thus teaching them the applications of technology, then, instructing the students. Students of Second Chance Education Centre can be given the responsibility of manning the library and computer center, thus empowering their own learning and ability to instruct teachers and other students in computer use and application. It should be noted that the Renju family, Directors of Second Chance Education Centre and Honey Badger Lodge, are computer literate: Dr Renju, a linguistic scholar, has used a laptop for many years editing the World Bible Society translations of ancient Greek scriptures to Swahili. Mama Lucy Renju uses the computer to correspond with international schools for community service projects and for the business of the lodge. She was named ‘Entrepreneur of the Year-2008’ by the Center for Global Leadership. Both are recognized community leaders. Their son and daughter-in-law, university graduates, will be taking over management of the lodge and both use IT extensively in their work for NGOs. There are also young, European volunteers at the Second Chance Education Centre. Therefore, further computer literacy for teachers and students can be sustained in between workshops.
Tel 540 659 1952
Timothy Bruce Russell


''Shippping Address #2''
Methods- Note the methods and approach will vary according to the input of visiting educators and local teachers. We will work as a team.
Dr Peter and Mama Lucy Renju, Second Chance Education Centre, Plot 98, Rindi Road, Moshi, Tanzania
1) Before deployment, the team of approximately 10 volunteer American and international teachers will receive from Diane Russell, workshop facilitator, relevant background information, sample Tanzanian Education Ministry lesson plan forms (obligatory) and past government exams in specific subject areas. We will correspond through email as to the best approaches to teaching these subjects in impoverished schools, yet with the benefit of the laptops.
Tel 255 027 2775 4494
2) Upon arrival at Honey Badger Lodge/Second Chance Education Centre, two days prior to the workshop, the visiting team members will familiarize themselves with the area, visit rural schools, meet the Education Ministry Regional Director and plan the workshop materials and the effective use of laptops. The workshop facilities are already in place at the lodge and the Second Chance Education Centre is in close proximity. The lodge has electricity and/or generator.
Peter J Renju
3) With the arrival of the local headmasters and selected teachers (total approximately 30) the workshop can formally begin:
a) Introductions and grouping of teachers according to subject field and level with an overview of what is hoped to be accomplished. Discussions about pedagogy and methodology, such as the different approaches to lesson plans; arrangement of furniture in classrooms to create interactive student groups; how to most efficiently use limited books and materials; student assessments; Socratic Method and “See-Say-Do” technique.
'''Number of Laptops (or other hardware) You Request to Borrow:'''
b) An introduction to laptops and computer technology, basic keyboarding, word processing and internet use.
:April 2010 to September 2010 for Workshop Training Shipping Address #2
::5 XO-1.5 laptops


: Additional Equipment
4) The Tanzania Education Ministry lesson plan format will be on the computer screen and projected. Sample lessons for each of the specific lesson fields at different levels will be discussed, typed into the rubric of the lesson plan, further modified according to discussion, resulting in a creative, valid, helpful lesson plan which recognizes benchmarks of differential learning and outcomes and incorporates both teacher and student reflection and self-assessment.
:: 5 10 watt / 14 volt solar panels
:: 3 PV Solar Panels

=='''Team Participants'''==


'''Tim and Diane Russell''',
timdianerussell@gmail.com, tel 540 659 1952
::Tim- Retired US Army Officer and Retired NATO officer - Assistant in Diane's Tanzania Projects
::Diane: 20 years teaching experience with 15 years at International School of Luxembourg and 7 years additional work to take high school students to community service projects in Moshi, Tanzania, Schools

'''Dr. Peter Renju''',
prenju@kicheko.com,
::Director for Tanzanian NGO Second Chance Education Centre, retired from United Bible society where he translated ancient Greek bible into modern day Kiswahili.
::The Project Committee has 10 members from the Moshi rural schools and Mama Renju is the Committee Director who operates the Honey Badger Cultural Centre.
5) Similarly, a variety of assessment means will be presented. Copies of government examinations will be on the computer screen and questions, approaches to answers and assessment will be discussed as a team. Sample answers can be discussed as they are typed, reviewed and revised.

::Secondary; Mrs. V. Mkony and Mr. M. Lema, Makaa Primary: Mr. H. Mvungi, Sango Primary; Mr. S. Macha, Komakya Secondary; Mr. E.J. Singada, Mashingia Secondary; Mrs. Delphina Iriya, Jitegemee Primary.

::With the Endorsement of: Professor Raymond S. Mosha, DePaul University, Chicago, Illinois, and Dr. Peter Renju, co-director, Second Chance Education Centre, Moshi, Tanzania.

::With the coordination of: The Kilimanjaro Regional Education Officer. Enclosure 3
Location: Second Chance Education Centre/ Honey Badger Lodge and Cultural Centre, Plot 98, Rindi Road, Msaranga, Moshi, Tanzania. Postal address: Box 8873, Moshi, Tanzania.

:[[Image:Moshi-1GroupCollaboration.jpg|Capacity Building Workshop Committee, September 2009]]

=='''Objectives'''==

:1) To bring the opportunity of teaching practices based on the use of XO/Sugar collaborative learning environment and supporting technologies to a Moshi Tanzania area teachers.
::*Kickoff will be a training workshop either in July 2010 or October 2010
:2) Set up a permanent teacher training center at the Second Chance Education Centre.
::*To create opportunities for rural primary and secondary teachers to bridge the gap between their levels through discussions as to which subjects could most successfully take advantage of the XO/Sugar learning style and which areas are most in need of attention. To develop a core group of teachers and an XO teacher education and resource center at the Second Chance Education Center in Moshi Tanzania.
:3) The focus of the initial workshop will be on 1.Math, Sciences (Biology, Chemistry and Physics) and Civics, subject areas that have been identified by headmasters as those presenting most difficulty in teaching and for students in passing government examinations.
::*We will use information from existing XO projects in the science areas to demonstrate to teachers the ways in which their science curriculum could be taught using Sugar/XO activities. We will introduce them to the collaborative problem solving applications which use Sugar activities and features such as the recorder, the camera, the video, drawing, measuring and documenting. We will present information on using sensors; introduce the physics activity, discussion of projects where students learn about the ecology and biology of their village.
:4) Health education will also be addressed through the Sciences and Civics. The XO environment meets the requirements of the Tanzanian Education Ministry to educate learners in theo basic skills for ICT : keyboards, mouse, selection, drag and drop graphical user interfaces. The hands on engaged environment of the XO provides better learning and engagement. Taking apart and reassembling the XO is a confidence building activity for some of the teachers and a demonstration of the power of full engagement with technology.
:5) The XO laptops will be presented as tool to build English language skills. The Speak tool for pronunciation and spelling, recording audio reading of texts that can be loaded into the XO. Lesson plans that teacher develop will be added and adapted for XO use either as rich text or html. Teachers will learn how to create rich text documents. This application of on-line lessons/programs, and access to the vast resource library of the internet will be valuable aids for development of English. Also, the availability of the laptops during the more relaxed sessions of break and evening activities will reinforce English language learning.

::To collaborate with related NGO projects for Tanzania, such as Solar Electric Light Fund and OLPCorps Stanford (Opendo).
[[Image:MoshiClassroom.jpg| Moshi Classroom]]

=='''Plan of Action'''==

# Familiarize ourselves with care and operation of XO-1
# Learn about XO-1 as a classroom learning tool. Using the rich resource of XO projects and archives of lesson plans.
# Bring experienced XO Kenyan Teachers to conduct the XO training
# Recruit teachers from Moshi schools to start collaboration and networking to make the most positive use of the XO-1
# Collect, document and report how the process of learning with XO-1 could be improved.
# Organize followup workshops in Tanzania

=='''Needs and OLPC Community Engagement'''==

'''Why is this project needed?'''
:Schools have too many students and too few teachers. Also, the schools are very spartan and often do not even have electricity. A major transformation is needed in the way learning is approached.

:Locally, in the US we will try to make contacts with Stafford County Schools to gain knowledge and assistance.

:In the greater OLPC/Sugar community? This community has the technical and educational OLPC lessons learned that we can use to avoid problems and find the right path.

:Outside the community? We have contacted the Tanzanian NGOs Second Chance Education Centre and SAIDA (help)as well as the US NGOs Friends of Tanzania and Africaid.

:Why XO: Low power machines are needed in an environment where the electrical outlets are few and far between. It appears that XO-1 can network several laptops in same class without need for audio-visual equipment enabling the teacher to roam and student clusters to self teach. We would like to have a library of shared lessons and plans for lessons. Tanzania has standardized educational achievement tests.

:''Training Period'': Before July, the XO equipment will prepare the project team trained for the July Workshop. The April equipment is to do "show and tells" at the more than 20 rural schools to develop ideas for the areas of most interest. We would like the XO-1.5s and trainers from OLPC Hands of Charity project in Kenya will bring 7 XO-1s.
:Sharing Deliverables
:: A Project URL—where you'll report specific ongoing progress:
:How will you convey tentative ideas & results back to the OLPC/Sugar community, prior to completion?
::Blog to be added. See link:
:How will the final fruits of your labor be distributed to children or community members worldwide?
:''OLPCNews and Blog''
:Will your work have any possible application or use outside our community? Yes
:If yes, how will these people be reached? We will be reporting to the Tanzanian Education Regional Director.
:Have you investigated working with nearby XO Lending Libraries or Project Groups?
::The DC Lending library may have a XO available next week.


:Quality/Mentoring
:Would your Project benefit from Support, Documentation and/or Testing people? ''Yes''
:Teachers' input into Usability? ''Yes''
:How will you promote your work?
::Within Tanzania with the Regional Director of Education, Through OLPC and through interested sponsoring NGOs.

:Ongoing Mentoring that will benefit you most.
::Similar project + use of XO- with audio-visual equipment

:Communication
:''Email and Contributor Meetings''

==Timeline==
:*January and July 2010 prepare for workshop
:*July 2010 run the workshop and S
:*September 2010 prepare after action report

=='''Needs and Objectives'''==

:The teachers in the rural schools of Moshi receive low salaries and yet they walk miles to their schools to devote themselves to their students. This learning project will accelerate learning and improve chances that students might continue to higher education and become future professionals and leaders of Tanzania.
:The teachers themselves need recognition, renewed confidence, continued education and empowerment. The rural teachers teach the way they were taught: copying, rote-memory, verbal repetition, which leads to stagnation.

:During two weeks of September, 2009, the headmasters and head teachers, who form the committee for this project, the director and American facilitator visited and spoke with the staffs at more than 20 rural schools and at two teacher centers, all of whom welcomed and yearned for assistance.
:The time-honored method of teaching used in these schools does not allow for the learning of valid conversation, written expression, creative thought and confidence which could instill in students the leadership qualities needed for Tanzanian society of the 21st century. Good, highly motivated teachers, look for professional development opportunities which can impact their teaching approaches.

=='''Project Description'''==

:This project offers an organized week-long residential conference/workshop, bringing together local teachers with international teachers in a team-building exercise would provide such a professional development opportunity for all.

:The teams would tackle the challenges of a very large student-teacher ratio, a lack of adequate books, paper, pens, technology, even electricity. They work in discussion with the rural teachers to finding alternative ways of conveying knowledge and contributing to the moral development of young adults.

:It must be recognized that the goal is neither to impose western culture nor to usurp the existing valued traditions of the people of the region. A prerequisite for the visiting teachers would be the reading of the book, The Heartbeat of Indigenous Africa; A Study of the Chagga Educational System by Raymond Sambuli Mosha, a recognized scholar. Dr. Peter Renju, also an international scholar, and Mama Lucy Renju, a community leader, will introduce the visitors to background information as to their culture and customs. The fact that both groups will reside at Honey Badger Lodge further enhances team-building, conversation and interchange of ideas and culture.
[[Image:MoshiTimDianeStudents.jpg| Moshi Educators with Tim and Diane Russell with Moshi]]
==='''Methodology'''===
''''Methods''''
- Note the methods and approach will vary according to the input of visiting educators and local teachers. We will work as a team.
*Practice lessons will be presented to the students of Second Chance, who will also be introduced to the use of laptops by the rural local teachers.
*Networking with visiting volunteers and local teachers should continue. Reports of continued peer teaching and student progress are expected to be shared and sent bi-annually to the team and the workshop directors and facilitator. Assessments and reviews will be shared as to the format of subsequent teacher capacity building workshops.


===''''Sustainability''''===
6) Teachers may use the computer to create their own variations of lessons, student assessment, quizzes, and tests which allow for differential instruction and empower the teacher to use his knowledge and inherent awareness of his culture. The possibilities of preparing and printing these assessments will be explored.
:''''Second Chance Education Center Library and Teacher Resource Center''''
::The laptops will be stored in the secure area of the library at Second Chance Education Centre, made available for teachers to use there or to check out for use for a limited time at their schools . A substantial financial fine will be imposed if the laptop is not returned.
::The goal is for the participating headmasters and teachers to return to their schools as mentors for their colleagues, thus teaching them the applications of technology, then, instructing the students.
::Students of Second Chance Education Centre can be given the responsibility of manning the library and computer center, thus empowering their own learning and ability to instruct teachers and other students in computer use and application.
::A small stipend will be offered to teachers for travel, attendance and the room and board at the workshop.
::Headmasters will assure that teachers to share new pedagogical ideas and techniques with their colleagues at their schools and/or with directors of teachers’ centers.
::Follow-up reports by the participating teacher as to adaptation and impact of new skills will be written and sent to Mama Lucy Renju, with copies forwarded to Diane Russell, committee members, Professor Raymond Mosha, and, if appropriate, the Regional Education Officer.
::Headmasters will follow a fair selection process for workshop participants and will allow time-off without repercussion.


::A certificate of participation and recognition by the Regional Education Officer will be awarded to each teacher.
7) During break and evening “English language” activities, the computers can be used for word processing and access to the internet. The oral tradition of story-telling laced with proverbs is strong in the Chagga culture. One example in keeping with the indigenous culture would be for a story to be written on the computer in a round-robin way, saved, printed and become a permanent record of the workshop. Much expansion of this technique can result: collaboration on “ngomas,” moral plays focusing on ethics and health issues; poetry, such as the work of Tanzanian poet, Shabaan Robert; excerpts from the required study of literature texts for the English language government exams.


8) Visual aids are also a vital learning tool. The internet and library can be resources.
9) Practice lessons will be presented to the students of Second Chance, who will also be introduced to the use of laptops by the rural local teachers.


====TimeLine====
10) There will be a final session of reflection and evaluation of the workshop by all participants. Networking with visiting volunteers and local teachers should continue. Reports of continued peer teaching and student progress are expected to be submitted and sent bi-annually by the headmasters to the team and the workshop directors and facilitator. Assessments and reviews will be shared as to the format of continued teacher capacity building workshops.
:May/June 2010 Mrs. Diane Russell Familiarization with XO Resources and Use in schools
:July 2010 This is the date for the workshop, but is dependent on recruiting teachers for all sessions. If insufficient teachers are available in July, then the date will be set for late October or early November to hold the workshop
: Aug - Dec 2010/Oct - March 2011 During this time the teacher and student resource library of 10 XOs will be actively used by teachers at the Second Chance Center to continue to build their XO expertise and structuring XO learning projects with their students
: Follow-up workshops we be scheduled in January and March to expand the trained teacher base


====Size/Scale/Selection====
Capacity Building Workshop Committee, September 2009 Picture
:The workshop will be designed on a small-scale of approximately 10 visiting teachers to 20 local teachers withresidency at Honey Badger Lodge and the closeness and seriousness of conversation and training. Practice lessons and experimental implementation of different methodology will be taught to the students of Second Chance Education Centre. The plan is to allow time for visits to the other rural schools and actual classroom observation.
::Mama Lucy Renju will work with the heads of schools as to the application and selection process of local teachers.
Typical Rural Moshi Classroom Picture
::Mrs. Diane Russell will work with sponsors/supportive NGO’s , recommendations of directors, to advertise, recruit, and select visiting teachers in coordination with various international schools and universities.
Costs and Funding
Moshi Teachers and Students Need XOs Picture
::The Second Chance Education Centre is a registered Tanzanian NGO. Funding will be raised to provide for transportation of the local teachers to the Second Chance Education Centre from their schools and for food and board at Honey Badger Lodge.
::Funds up to US $ 5000 would be needed to initiate and fund the project.
:For further information:
Diane Busher Russell Lucy Renju: Chance2educate@yahoo.com
3003 Voyage Drive Honeybadger@africamail.com
Stafford, Virginia 22554 Telephone: 255 027 275 4494
USA
Home phone: 540 659 1952 Mobile phone: 540 604 7795
Diane.Busherrussell@gmail.com

Latest revision as of 15:38, 11 May 2010

This Wiki page Contains

  1. Contributors Program Project Proposal Form
  2. NOVEMBER 2009 WORKSHOP PROPOSAL PREPARED BY TANZANIAN COMMITTEE
  3. Details Requested by OLPC Contributor “Community Jury” at January 8, 2010 On-Line Meeting

Project Info

[laptop.org #50418] Teaching Methods Workshop for Rural Teachers featuring XO/Sugar Constructivist Learning for Moshi, Tanzania Area [Tim Russell, Virginia/Washington DC, USA]

Project Title & Shipment Detail

Teacher Workshops for Capacity Building in Schools of Rural Moshi, Tanzania

Shipping Address #1 Tim Russell, 3003 Voyage Drive, Stafford, VA 22554 Tel 540 659 1952 Timothy Bruce Russell

Shippping Address #2 Dr Peter and Mama Lucy Renju, Second Chance Education Centre, Plot 98, Rindi Road, Moshi, Tanzania Tel 255 027 2775 4494 Peter J Renju

Number of Laptops (or other hardware) You Request to Borrow:

April 2010 to September 2010 for Workshop Training Shipping Address #2
5 XO-1.5 laptops
Additional Equipment
5 10 watt / 14 volt solar panels
3 PV Solar Panels

Team Participants

Tim and Diane Russell, timdianerussell@gmail.com, tel 540 659 1952

Tim- Retired US Army Officer and Retired NATO officer - Assistant in Diane's Tanzania Projects
Diane: 20 years teaching experience with 15 years at International School of Luxembourg and 7 years additional work to take high school students to community service projects in Moshi, Tanzania, Schools

Dr. Peter Renju, prenju@kicheko.com,

Director for Tanzanian NGO Second Chance Education Centre, retired from United Bible society where he translated ancient Greek bible into modern day Kiswahili.
The Project Committee has 10 members from the Moshi rural schools and Mama Renju is the Committee Director who operates the Honey Badger Cultural Centre.
Secondary; Mrs. V. Mkony and Mr. M. Lema, Makaa Primary: Mr. H. Mvungi, Sango Primary; Mr. S. Macha, Komakya Secondary; Mr. E.J. Singada, Mashingia Secondary; Mrs. Delphina Iriya, Jitegemee Primary.
With the Endorsement of: Professor Raymond S. Mosha, DePaul University, Chicago, Illinois, and Dr. Peter Renju, co-director, Second Chance Education Centre, Moshi, Tanzania.
With the coordination of: The Kilimanjaro Regional Education Officer. Enclosure 3

Location: Second Chance Education Centre/ Honey Badger Lodge and Cultural Centre, Plot 98, Rindi Road, Msaranga, Moshi, Tanzania. Postal address: Box 8873, Moshi, Tanzania.

Capacity Building Workshop Committee, September 2009

Objectives

1) To bring the opportunity of teaching practices based on the use of XO/Sugar collaborative learning environment and supporting technologies to a Moshi Tanzania area teachers.
  • Kickoff will be a training workshop either in July 2010 or October 2010
2) Set up a permanent teacher training center at the Second Chance Education Centre.
  • To create opportunities for rural primary and secondary teachers to bridge the gap between their levels through discussions as to which subjects could most successfully take advantage of the XO/Sugar learning style and which areas are most in need of attention. To develop a core group of teachers and an XO teacher education and resource center at the Second Chance Education Center in Moshi Tanzania.
3) The focus of the initial workshop will be on 1.Math, Sciences (Biology, Chemistry and Physics) and Civics, subject areas that have been identified by headmasters as those presenting most difficulty in teaching and for students in passing government examinations.
  • We will use information from existing XO projects in the science areas to demonstrate to teachers the ways in which their science curriculum could be taught using Sugar/XO activities. We will introduce them to the collaborative problem solving applications which use Sugar activities and features such as the recorder, the camera, the video, drawing, measuring and documenting. We will present information on using sensors; introduce the physics activity, discussion of projects where students learn about the ecology and biology of their village.
4) Health education will also be addressed through the Sciences and Civics. The XO environment meets the requirements of the Tanzanian Education Ministry to educate learners in theo basic skills for ICT : keyboards, mouse, selection, drag and drop graphical user interfaces. The hands on engaged environment of the XO provides better learning and engagement. Taking apart and reassembling the XO is a confidence building activity for some of the teachers and a demonstration of the power of full engagement with technology.
5) The XO laptops will be presented as tool to build English language skills. The Speak tool for pronunciation and spelling, recording audio reading of texts that can be loaded into the XO. Lesson plans that teacher develop will be added and adapted for XO use either as rich text or html. Teachers will learn how to create rich text documents. This application of on-line lessons/programs, and access to the vast resource library of the internet will be valuable aids for development of English. Also, the availability of the laptops during the more relaxed sessions of break and evening activities will reinforce English language learning.
To collaborate with related NGO projects for Tanzania, such as Solar Electric Light Fund and OLPCorps Stanford (Opendo).

Moshi Classroom

Plan of Action

  1. Familiarize ourselves with care and operation of XO-1
  2. Learn about XO-1 as a classroom learning tool. Using the rich resource of XO projects and archives of lesson plans.
  3. Bring experienced XO Kenyan Teachers to conduct the XO training
  4. Recruit teachers from Moshi schools to start collaboration and networking to make the most positive use of the XO-1
  5. Collect, document and report how the process of learning with XO-1 could be improved.
  6. Organize followup workshops in Tanzania

Needs and OLPC Community Engagement

Why is this project needed?

Schools have too many students and too few teachers. Also, the schools are very spartan and often do not even have electricity. A major transformation is needed in the way learning is approached.
Locally, in the US we will try to make contacts with Stafford County Schools to gain knowledge and assistance.
In the greater OLPC/Sugar community? This community has the technical and educational OLPC lessons learned that we can use to avoid problems and find the right path.
Outside the community? We have contacted the Tanzanian NGOs Second Chance Education Centre and SAIDA (help)as well as the US NGOs Friends of Tanzania and Africaid.
Why XO: Low power machines are needed in an environment where the electrical outlets are few and far between. It appears that XO-1 can network several laptops in same class without need for audio-visual equipment enabling the teacher to roam and student clusters to self teach. We would like to have a library of shared lessons and plans for lessons. Tanzania has standardized educational achievement tests.
Training Period: Before July, the XO equipment will prepare the project team trained for the July Workshop. The April equipment is to do "show and tells" at the more than 20 rural schools to develop ideas for the areas of most interest. We would like the XO-1.5s and trainers from OLPC Hands of Charity project in Kenya will bring 7 XO-1s.
Sharing Deliverables
A Project URL—where you'll report specific ongoing progress:
How will you convey tentative ideas & results back to the OLPC/Sugar community, prior to completion?
Blog to be added. See link:
How will the final fruits of your labor be distributed to children or community members worldwide?
OLPCNews and Blog
Will your work have any possible application or use outside our community? Yes
If yes, how will these people be reached? We will be reporting to the Tanzanian Education Regional Director.
Have you investigated working with nearby XO Lending Libraries or Project Groups?
The DC Lending library may have a XO available next week.


Quality/Mentoring
Would your Project benefit from Support, Documentation and/or Testing people? Yes
Teachers' input into Usability? Yes
How will you promote your work?
Within Tanzania with the Regional Director of Education, Through OLPC and through interested sponsoring NGOs.
Ongoing Mentoring that will benefit you most.
Similar project + use of XO- with audio-visual equipment
Communication
Email and Contributor Meetings

Timeline

  • January and July 2010 prepare for workshop
  • July 2010 run the workshop and S
  • September 2010 prepare after action report

Needs and Objectives

The teachers in the rural schools of Moshi receive low salaries and yet they walk miles to their schools to devote themselves to their students. This learning project will accelerate learning and improve chances that students might continue to higher education and become future professionals and leaders of Tanzania.
The teachers themselves need recognition, renewed confidence, continued education and empowerment. The rural teachers teach the way they were taught: copying, rote-memory, verbal repetition, which leads to stagnation.
During two weeks of September, 2009, the headmasters and head teachers, who form the committee for this project, the director and American facilitator visited and spoke with the staffs at more than 20 rural schools and at two teacher centers, all of whom welcomed and yearned for assistance.
The time-honored method of teaching used in these schools does not allow for the learning of valid conversation, written expression, creative thought and confidence which could instill in students the leadership qualities needed for Tanzanian society of the 21st century. Good, highly motivated teachers, look for professional development opportunities which can impact their teaching approaches.

Project Description

This project offers an organized week-long residential conference/workshop, bringing together local teachers with international teachers in a team-building exercise would provide such a professional development opportunity for all.
The teams would tackle the challenges of a very large student-teacher ratio, a lack of adequate books, paper, pens, technology, even electricity. They work in discussion with the rural teachers to finding alternative ways of conveying knowledge and contributing to the moral development of young adults.
It must be recognized that the goal is neither to impose western culture nor to usurp the existing valued traditions of the people of the region. A prerequisite for the visiting teachers would be the reading of the book, The Heartbeat of Indigenous Africa; A Study of the Chagga Educational System by Raymond Sambuli Mosha, a recognized scholar. Dr. Peter Renju, also an international scholar, and Mama Lucy Renju, a community leader, will introduce the visitors to background information as to their culture and customs. The fact that both groups will reside at Honey Badger Lodge further enhances team-building, conversation and interchange of ideas and culture.

Moshi Educators with Tim and Diane Russell with Moshi

Methodology

'Methods' - Note the methods and approach will vary according to the input of visiting educators and local teachers. We will work as a team.

  • Practice lessons will be presented to the students of Second Chance, who will also be introduced to the use of laptops by the rural local teachers.
  • Networking with visiting volunteers and local teachers should continue. Reports of continued peer teaching and student progress are expected to be shared and sent bi-annually to the team and the workshop directors and facilitator. Assessments and reviews will be shared as to the format of subsequent teacher capacity building workshops.

'Sustainability'

'Second Chance Education Center Library and Teacher Resource Center'
The laptops will be stored in the secure area of the library at Second Chance Education Centre, made available for teachers to use there or to check out for use for a limited time at their schools . A substantial financial fine will be imposed if the laptop is not returned.
The goal is for the participating headmasters and teachers to return to their schools as mentors for their colleagues, thus teaching them the applications of technology, then, instructing the students.
Students of Second Chance Education Centre can be given the responsibility of manning the library and computer center, thus empowering their own learning and ability to instruct teachers and other students in computer use and application.
A small stipend will be offered to teachers for travel, attendance and the room and board at the workshop.
Headmasters will assure that teachers to share new pedagogical ideas and techniques with their colleagues at their schools and/or with directors of teachers’ centers.
Follow-up reports by the participating teacher as to adaptation and impact of new skills will be written and sent to Mama Lucy Renju, with copies forwarded to Diane Russell, committee members, Professor Raymond Mosha, and, if appropriate, the Regional Education Officer.
Headmasters will follow a fair selection process for workshop participants and will allow time-off without repercussion.
A certificate of participation and recognition by the Regional Education Officer will be awarded to each teacher.


TimeLine

May/June 2010 Mrs. Diane Russell Familiarization with XO Resources and Use in schools
July 2010 This is the date for the workshop, but is dependent on recruiting teachers for all sessions. If insufficient teachers are available in July, then the date will be set for late October or early November to hold the workshop
Aug - Dec 2010/Oct - March 2011 During this time the teacher and student resource library of 10 XOs will be actively used by teachers at the Second Chance Center to continue to build their XO expertise and structuring XO learning projects with their students
Follow-up workshops we be scheduled in January and March to expand the trained teacher base

Size/Scale/Selection

The workshop will be designed on a small-scale of approximately 10 visiting teachers to 20 local teachers withresidency at Honey Badger Lodge and the closeness and seriousness of conversation and training. Practice lessons and experimental implementation of different methodology will be taught to the students of Second Chance Education Centre. The plan is to allow time for visits to the other rural schools and actual classroom observation.
Mama Lucy Renju will work with the heads of schools as to the application and selection process of local teachers.
Mrs. Diane Russell will work with sponsors/supportive NGO’s , recommendations of directors, to advertise, recruit, and select visiting teachers in coordination with various international schools and universities.

Costs and Funding

The Second Chance Education Centre is a registered Tanzanian NGO. Funding will be raised to provide for transportation of the local teachers to the Second Chance Education Centre from their schools and for food and board at Honey Badger Lodge.
Funds up to US $ 5000 would be needed to initiate and fund the project.
For further information:

Diane Busher Russell Lucy Renju: Chance2educate@yahoo.com 3003 Voyage Drive Honeybadger@africamail.com Stafford, Virginia 22554 Telephone: 255 027 275 4494 USA Home phone: 540 659 1952 Mobile phone: 540 604 7795 Diane.Busherrussell@gmail.com

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