I am Eddie Kigozi. I am a teacher of French language in Secondary School. I began teaching French language in 1997 at Bishop’s Senior School, Mukono. I had learned basic computing during my senior six vacation so in 1998 when World Links For Development, a World Bank initiative donated 4 computers to Bishop’s Senior School, I took an interest in the activities which involved training in the Internet style of learning. From that time on I have been involved in many initiatives to integrate Information and Communication Technology (ICT) into the academic curriculum specifically at Secondary School Level.

Since 2000 I have been exploring various ways in which the teaching and learning experience can be made more exciting for both educators and learners through integrating ICT into the curriculum. I joined SchoolNet Uganda because it is involved in a similar thing. Plus it facilitated me with more training on how to make my teaching more exciting. By getting involved in more of SchoolNet Uganda activities I learnt more and more.

SchoolNet Uganda  activities I have been involved in.

 I have been involved in a number of SchoolNet Uganda activities.

•  Four phase training:
  • Introduction to Computer Technology.
  • Introduction to the Internet in Teaching and Learning.
  •  Designing and Implementing Tele-Collaborative Projects.
  •  Curriculum and Technology Integration.
  •  Diffusion of Technology Innovations.
•  Computer Literacy Curriculum Development with ConnectEd September 2000.
•  The Aidsweb project July-August 2002.
•  Professional Website Design May 2002.
•  IEARN International Conference, Moscow Russia July 2002.
•  Mentoring WorldLinks/SchoolNet Uganda eLearning program February-May 2003.
•  Educational Video Production training May & June 2003.
  •  Production Design.
  •  Story boarding.
  •  Video Schooting.
  •  Digital Video Editing.
•  Facilitating at sensitization workshops in various secondary schools in and around Uganda for teachers on how to use ICT in their teaching.
•  Served as a World Leadership Corps volunteer in India July 2005, July 2006.
•  I also served as an ambassador for SchoolNet Uganda.

Benefits I have got from participating in SchoolNet Uganda activities 

 I have got so many benefits by being a member of SchoolNet Uganda in terms of knowledge, skills and attitudes.
 

Knowledge

• Understanding how ICT is used to improve education in countries outside Uganda and Africa through exposure visits.
•  Understanding and adapting to various cultures and lifestyles around the world.
•  Becoming an all-round educator and not just a French language teacher.

Skills

•  Basic Computer skills ie. Word processing, spreadsheets, presentations.
•  Computer Graphic design skills.
•  Basic Web design skills. 
•  Project based learning skills.
•  Project writing skills. 
•  Communication skills.
•  Public speaking skills.
•  Innovation and creativity aimed at improving life in different communities.
•  Time management and self management skills.
•  Managing other people.

Attitudes

•  I have learnt the value of tolerance for people who perceive life differently from me because of exposure to different cultural norms and values.
•  I have a personal vision around which all the activities I get involved in revolve. 
•  I have learnt that the fastest way to learn so much is to share what you know with others.
•  I have learnt that it is important to always be positive even during very trying moments.
•  I have learnt to accept the things that I cannot change. As a result I have been able to do so much about the things that I can change.

 I am currently using the skills and knowledge that I have acquired through the past 7 years to make a difference in the life of young people. The skills and knowledge I have acquired have helped me to focus on addressing one of the most imminent danger of our times, that is environmental degradation and its consequences to future generations. I am going to contribute to creating a generation of people who are passionate about living in a naturally green and clean environment. This is the generation which will be able to reverse some of the effects of environmental degradation that can indeed be reversed.