I am Milton Chebet a teacher of Biology and Physical Education at Gayaza High School. I graduated in year 2004. I am one person who has benefited greatly from being a family member of SchoolNet Uganda. I would not be what I am today if it were not of my involvement in SchoolNet activities and taking up opportunities which come through SchoolNet Uganda. The recent achievement being a gold winner at Pan African ITF held in Mauritius. http://schoolnetuganda.sc.ug/news/chebet-milton-award.htm

How I started using ICT

I started using ICT while still in the University, but it was limited to using Microsoft Word   after being compelled by the mistakes typesetters used to make whenever I could take my research work for typing. Mistakes would always appear and I had to learn how to use Microsoft Word.
After completing my University course, I enrolled for a certificate in computer applications that runs from midnight to morning at Makerere University Faculty of Computing and Technology. This was because of the passion I had developed after typing and editing my research.
The first school I taught in was private and did not support use of technology especially in teaching and collaboration. School secretaries would type all the examinations, administrative documents and were always overwhelmed by the work.

A turning point in my life

In year 2006, I joined Gayaza High School, where I started using technology because the school administration supported its use. My passion for technology use that was being threatened to extinction was re-ignited. The technology environment in the school was so conducive and was never seasonal. The staffroom had and still has three desktop computers connected to Internet 24 hours a day, 7 days a week with a printer. What captivated me was the fact that, each teacher had to type their own exams, print and take them for running. Through this, I gained more skills that propelled me into what I am today.

Given the fact that I had the passion for technology, the environment made things easier for me and my way of teaching changed. I started digitalizing my notes, engaged learners in using technology, used Internet as a teaching and learning resource, shared work online through email addresses (opened a free mail for sharing information with students, biologyclass2@yahoo.com )

Ronald Ddungu, our Deputy Head Teacher also inspired and mentored me greatly into what I am today in use of ICT. He speaks of technology with a lot of passion and willing to support any teacher ready to use technology in teaching and developing professionally. He has also benefited from ICT including international travels, local and international awards, scholarships and fame both locally and internationally.

In year 2007, I joined SchoolNet Uganda family through Daniel Kakinda after learning how they where impacting and changing teachers and students lives through technology. I made sure I attended all the workshops organized by SchoolNet especially the ones organized from Gayaza High School. Through the various SchoolNet workshops I attended, my attitude towards use of ICT in Education became even more positive. I started using more and more ICT in my teaching. My colleagues started calling me computer wizard because I was using computers much of the time. I also started facilitating SchoolNet Uganda workshops like those for Inspiring Science Education for Girls Using ICT project. I learnt so many skills that I had not acquired before like trouble shooting and networking computers, project-based teaching, tele-collaboration and doing online courses.

Through SchoolNet Uganda, I was able to acquire my first desktop computer which they offered to us teachers at a relatively low price. Acquiring the computer strengthened my way of using ICT. It is easy and less taxing working with your own computer.

SchoolNet Uganda has inspired me and I am inspiring students and my fellow colleagues into acquiring ICT skills for easy teaching, learning and also other aspects of life. I have been able to involve my students in many projects from within school, community and internationally courtesy SchoolNet Uganda mailing list for science teachers. Many of my students who have involved themselves in the different projects are now multi skilled in different life aspects ranging from leadership, communication, collaboration, use of Internet as an educational tool, multimedia production and many others.

What I have benefited from my involvement in ICT

 I have benefited greatly from my involvement in use of ICT in a number of ways: 

•  My teaching has been simplified.
•  I have linked up with very many friends locally and internationally. 
• I have facilitated at a number of workshops organized by SchoolNet Uganda including at the Head Teachers ICT in Education workshop held at Kyambogo College Training centre held in May 2009. I can now ably offer consultancy services as far as ICT integration in Education is concerned.
• I have attended workshops locally and internationally both face to face and online.
• I have travelled outside the country. In May 2008, I travelled to Ghana for the Africa Innovative Teachers’ Forum and the e-learning-Africa conference with all costs of travel, accommodation and feeding covered by Microsoft. In Sept 2009, I travelled to Mauritius for the Africa Innovative Teachers’ Forum with all costs of travel, accommodation and feeding covered by Microsoft.

The pride of winning
In the Uganda national Innovative Teachers’ Forum which was held in March 2009 at Hotel Africana, I was the runner up and was awarded with a laptop. I got the information on the competition through SchoolNet Uganda mailing list. 

In September 2009, I emerged a champion in Pan Africa Innovative Teacher held in Mauritius (http://www.school.za/itf/2009_Pan_Africa_event.htm ).
My project  “Conservation of Local Medicinal Plants” was the best in Community Category.  I immediately walked away with a brand new Toshiba laptop. I am humbled and honoured to be one of the three teachers to represent Africa at the Global Innovative Teachers completion to be held in Brazil in November 2009. The event in Mauritius was attended by 4 other members from the SchoolNet family who witnessed this award and we celebrated together as a country and SchoolNet family.
Microsoft will be covering my cost of round-trip to Brazil and accommodation at the global event. I hope to keep the SchoolNet and Uganda flag up at this competition.

Regarding ICT hardware, I have been able to acquire two laptops in one year as awards for my excellent work done in ICT.

In conclusion, as teachers of the 21st century, we out to be innovative in our teaching, adopt the use of ICT in teaching, involve learners in projects locally and internationally and join organizations like SchoolNet Uganda that are willing to uplift us professionally.

Let’s take up opportunities that come through SchoolNet, let us use the mailing lists provided to us by SchoolNet Uganda profitably, let us share the little information we have for technology requires that we share be it an educational resource, job opportunity, or a scholarship. Lastly have passion for what you doing and don’t forget that God loves you and wants you to prosper so always give thanks to him.