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Balunywa says “the education system needs a review so that lower-level education and science are funded by the government. If you educate people, you create a great difference in business startup and what to produce among others. Technical facilities should be given priority”.

He adds that “we need to review the entire process and plan that in the next 3-4 years, we have something new. Some of these things depend on our population growth. We have a lot of people out there who are not going to school and if that is the case, you cannot develop a middle class”

My view is that there is a need for every Ugandan to support the thinking Professor Balunywa has brought on board. He should go ahead and influence the implementation of the new Competency-Based Curriculum launched by the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Janet Kataha Museveni. This is a step in the right direction to strengthen the economy with the manpower that has the right skills. One of the reasons why Uganda has lagged behind is because of the way teachers were taught and they have taught over the last 100 years. The teaching is more teacher-centered, learners silently copy from the chalkboard and also cram whatever the teacher has said in order to pass exams and be promoted to the next level. The world of work today does not need that graduate. Professor Wasswa Balunywa should continue to address such concerns. We shall appreciate another article on this through his usual Facebook publications

The new Competency-Based Curriculum promises value addition by:

• Providing a basis for the acquisition of knowledge, skills, values, and attitudes that are applicable in the everyday life of the learner.
• Nurturing every learner's potential, in the premise that every learner has some level of giftedness arising from inborn and environmental exposure.
• Developing an engaged, empowered, and ethical citizen who will contribute positively to their own life and that of their community.

For our Senior One Classes, the learners are being provided with the opportunity to practice knowledge, skills, and values learned in school and apply them at home and in the community.

In Support of Prof. Wasswa Balunywa on Education Reform in Uganda

The post PSFU-NBS Television e-conference: In Support of Prof. Wasswa Balunywa on Education Reform in Uganda appeared first on KAWA Uganda.

The meeting will explore the setup & implementation of sustainable innovation test-beds that provides physical facilities, usable data, and relevant services for ICT related research, innovation, and education. It aims to provide a cooperation-friendly environment that facilitates collaboration between the private, public, and academia.

The Test-Beds will provide access to physical facilities, capabilities, services and data sets/ samples required for the development, testing and upscaling of technological research and innovations.  This will bring new technology environments within reach of innovators, academia, and relevant stakeholders to advance from concepts to experimental validation, to working prototypes and deployable technology models.

The Meeting Details are as follows;

Date:    Thursday, May 7^th, 2020 03:00 EAT

Topic:   Establishment of an Innovation Test-bed for Existing & Emerging Technologies

Host:    The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC)

Please REGISTER in ADVANCE for this meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUrc“spj4rGdwP8MCy0bvns0T-O7Nb5cl8

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email with information on how to joining the meeting.

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Data speed and bandwidth; what is the difference between these?

The Internet is like a pipe or a road over which information moves. It is actually a network of millions of public and private electronic networks all over the world that are interconnected, enabling information to be exchanged. Data is the form in which the information moves around the Internet.

To send and receive information from the Internet, one needs to have a connection, which is provided by an operator or service provider (also referred to as an Internet access provider).

Data speed is the rate at which the data is transferred across your connection. This is typically measured in bits per second (bps). Depending on the connection, this will be in kbps (Kilo bps), Mbps (Mega bps), or Gbps (Giga bps).

The bandwidth is the size of the 'pipe'. It is the capacity of the Internet connection (the pipe) in terms of the maximum volume of data that can be transmitted in a given amount of time. The larger the size of the pipe, the more data that can be transferred per second.

Data throughput, on the other hand, is how much data gets transferred from one point on the network to another.

Can I only connect to the Internet via a mobile network?

There are different types of Internet connections, offering different performance in terms of data speed and mobility.  These include optical fibre, cable, ADSL (Asymmetric digital subscriber line) that uses traditional fixed telephone line connections, satellite (VSAT “ very small aperture terminal), WiFi, and 3G/4G mobile networks.

The different types of connection are associated with various pros and cons. However, the choice of connection is typically dependent on your requirements or needs, e.g.:

1. The location at which you desire to access/use the Internet services
2. Whether you need a connection for a fixed location or you shall be mobile
3. Whether you are obtaining a connection for home, work or individual use
4. The speeds and reliability of service that you need.

The following are recommended in determining the type of connection:

• Determine what speeds and reliability you need. You want an Internet connection that is fast enough and offers you the performance quality suited for services and applications you want to use the Internet for. You don't want to pay for a lot more than you will end up using. There are a number of tools available on the Internet that can help you in evaluating your speed needs, such as https://www.verizonwireless.com/freedom/datacalculator.html
• Check which licensed operators are able to provide services in the area(s) in which you require Internet access. Coverage areas differ from operator to operator.
• Seek out and study information on the following from the operators that are able to provide services in the location(s) desired:

1. Packages offered and associated pricing
2. Data speeds
3. Installation and equipment requirements and costs
4. Terms and conditions of service (service level agreement)

• Compare the offers of the different operators offering service in your desired area. The accredited website http://kompare.ug/data/mobile-internet-rates/can assist you in the case of wireless services.

How is Internet usage billed?

Internet subscriptions are either paid for in advance of consumption (prepaid) or bound by contract for post consumption (postpaid) payment arrangements.

A data bundle is like a token. Every time you use the Internet over that connection, you use a part of your data allowance or credit. The amount of data you use, though, does vary depending on the service or application you are using or accessing over the Internet.

Data usage is billed based on the volume of data sent and received via the Internet connection and not the time spent connected to the Internet. It is typically in packages measured in megabytes (MB) and gigabytes (GB).

A data bundle may be associated with a specific validity/expiry date or can be unlimited in terms of expiry date. If the bundle reaches the validity date and expires before the bundle is depleted, it is foregone.

What are the factors that may affect the speed at which your data bundle is used up?

Anything you do on your phone or computer that accesses the Internet eats into your data bundle. So when you download or send emails, browse the Internet, send and receive messages over WhatsApp, check Facebook and Twitter, watch videos on YouTube, download movies from Netflix, you use the Internet and therefore eat into your data bundle.

However, different apps use different amounts of data. Downloading applications (apps), playing online video games, streaming music, and watching videos use a lot of data when compared to the use of location, weather, and social media apps. Similarly, watching video online is one of the quickest ways to consume your data.

The size of the pipe (the bandwidth) also affects the data speed. A key characteristic that distinguishes the mobile technologies -2G, 3G and 4G is the capacity (bandwidth) and thus data speed. When using a smartphone to download a file using a 2G, it will take a longer time to download than downloading the same file on a 3G network connection and on 4G.

However, this does not imply that 4G uses more data than 3G, but due to the faster data speed, your data is likely to be used up much faster. This is because the fast speeds will enable you to easily do more on the Internet, such as downloading one item after another, thus increasing your usage. Imagine, if you usually take an hour to download a movie and now you are able to do so in a matter of seconds.  You are likely to instead download more than one video, or do so more frequently.

Various apps such as WhatsApp have also evolved over the years in terms of their capabilities and abilities, resulting in these having higher data needs than before. Viewing of videos and high-resolution images on applications such as WhatsApp, Facebook and Instagram consumes more data than just plain text. Additionally, apps such as cloud services that provide mirroring or back-up services usually continue to run as long as there is an internet connection.

For feature phones, most apps and services only connect to the Internet on demand. On smartphones, however, apps can fetch any new information and update themselves. As a result, when an update of an app becomes available, the phone owner has a period of about a week to update the app. After this period, if the update wasn't done, the update of the app starts to download in the background. This can result in multiple apps running updates at the same time.

If the updates fail to be completed in the particular session due to low storage on the phone, depletion of the data bundle and other interruption, the update starts all over again. The app store also periodically checks to see if any of the apps installed on the phone has an update available. Additionally, apps such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Outlook mail periodically synchronise to check for any new activity or content updates on the user's account.

Notably, when you add more devices or users onto your subscription (either via a modem or through tethering on your mobile phone), then your level of usage increases and the demand expands to include the background and auto-synchronisation apps such as Outlook mail on a computer.  Note that some devices are more bandwidth-hungry than others, for example iPhones.

One factor that is likely to be a surprise to many is the use of Virtual Private Networks (VPNs). The encryption process in using a VPN adds about 10-15% more data usage. Using a VPN could, therefore, eat into your data bundle significantly, depending on what kind of content you are accessing using your VPN. The stronger the encryption, the higher the data overload.  It is also common to have data speeds impacted with a resultant slower connection.

Another critical aspect to note is data roaming. Data roaming is when you use your subscription to connect the Internet outside of your home network coverage range, for example, when travelling abroad. At the time when you use your Internet subscription out of your home network, the phone is connected to and using network resources of another operator, which generally results in higher data charges due to compensation to the other operator for facilitating this connectivity.

Data consumption on an Internet connection can be likened to fuel consumption by a car, as illustrated in the table below.

How can you monitor your Internet usage?

There are various apps and tools available on the Internet that can help you check your data speed, your connection and even conduct a detailed traffic analysis.

One such application is available on your smartphone. This can be accessed using the following process:

1. Tap 'Settings' on the main menu
2. Tap 'Network & Internet or Connections'
3. Tap 'Data usage'. On some Android phones, you might see this option immediately in the Settings menu
4. You will see a graph of your usage going back one week.  You can change this cycle to match the dates of your data bundle to provide a better insight into your data usage
5. If you scroll further down, you can now check how much data each app that is on your phone is using.

However, it is important to point out that some operators measure data usage differently. We, therefore, recommend that you check with your operator to provide you with their measurements.

Some operators also provide a tracker or app to subscribers to facilitate them in monitoring their data usage.

What can you do to improve your rate of data usage?

Specifically, to improve your mobile data usage, you need to address the causes of high usage highlighted above.  Accordingly, the following are proposed:

1. Disable auto-downloads for updates
2. Turn off Auto-sync data (Go to 'Settings' then 'Accounts' then 'Auto-sync Data')
3. On the Data usage feature on the phone, tap on the app to 'Restrict background data'
4. If you have access to a trusted WiFi connection, periodically check for updates and update as often as you can while using the WiFi
5. Delete unused apps
6. When using social media apps like Facebook, switch off 'Autoplay' and decide which of the videos you want to open and watch
7. Switch off Data roaming (Go to 'Settings, then hit 'More'. Scroll down to mobile networks, and under this, you will see 'Data roaming')
8. Restrict your video streaming to "low quality. Remember the default is "auto and adjusts based on the bandwidth of the provider
9. Do not share your MiFi or router or phone (if tethering) passwords with other people without regulation
10. Change your Netflix setting. Select the Menu icon, App settings, Cellular data usage, and then Standard definition (SD) quality of stream.

This article was first published on the Uganda Communications Commission blog

The post HOW TO OPTIMISE YOUR INTERNET DATA BUNDLE -As you continue to stay and work at home following the COVID-19 Lockdown appeared first on KAWA Uganda.

www.educate.kawa.ac.ug is an e-learning platform that supports blended e-learning and online self-paced teaching and learning for primary, secondary Schools and Tertiary school students, teachers and tutors. The platform supports both Synchronous and Asynchronous teaching and learning sessions through chat, forum and real time online lecture sessions, assignments, database, quiz, survey, feedback, lesson and Multimedia learning resources. The platform provides flexible access and meaningful learning experiences to students and teachers spread across the country. The solution is affordable, user friendly and sustainable for low resource regions in the long run. The solution integrates design and development of Multimedia learning content using MUBS state of the art multimedia studio. The multimedia content is customized to Ugandan context and will be available to students and teachers to access through the platform. The platform also has an offline content module that can be installed in school computer labs. The solution has a mobile application that can be used both online and offline making essential content accessible to teachers and students anytime and anywhere.

The post KAWA and Makerere University Business School to Launch an eLearning Platform appeared first on KAWA Uganda.

This Instiute which earlier started as design hub for sharing space and promotion of start ups has grown to offer short courses to one year courses focussing on developing of both the you and the working groups.

There are plans to use the space for to spur creativity and innovation in not only Busoga region but also the rest of Eastern region. There is a section specialising in hotel, hospitality, tourism, food production and house keeping courses, all based on technology to bring in the best ingredients.

The post KAWA opens a Technology and Hospitality Institute appeared first on KAWA Uganda.

KAWA with the funding from Uganda Communications Commission was mandated by the Ministry of Education and Sports to implement tooling and retooling of teachers of ICT and Computer Studies in Mbale region in a five-day workshop at Mbale Senior Secondary from 7^th to 12^th May 2018. This detailed report explores what transpired in the 5 days, recommendations and the content that was presented by the facilitators.

The workshop was sanctioned by the ministry which invited two teachers from each of the selected schools and provided venue.  Uganda Communications Commission was the key funder of the program in terms of pedagogical training and logistical support. Each participating school provided transport and accommodation for its teachers.

One hundred and three (103) participants from seventy-three (73) secondary schools participated, representing fourteen (14) districts: Mbale, Bududa, Manafwa, Sironko, Namasindua, Kapchwora, Kweni, Bukwo, Tororo, Busia, Butaleja, Palisa, Budaka, Kibuku and Butebo.

Background Information

The broad theme of the Ministry of education and Sports is the continuous professional development of teachers. The capacity building of teachers of ICT/Computer Studies is a strategic program that falls under the same theme. It recognizes the need to have resourceful citizens that are creative and innovative to compete favorably in the job market and measure up to current trends locally and at global level.  The teacher's central role in enhancing this cannot be underestimated.

However, as affirmed by findings at the tooling and retooling workshop held at Mbale SS, so many hurdles lie on the way to achieving the above. The participants revealed lack of effective teaching skills, lack of skills and knowledge of ICT, poor knowledge or interpretation of the ICT and Computer Studies Syllabi, negative attitude towards certain methodologies and low or no knowledge of assessment for learning purposes. Some of the schools do not have ICT/Computer studies teachers, relying on part-time teachers. Some of them are not trained in ICT/Computer Studies but in other subjects. The participants knowledge of blooms taxonomy and levels of learning was very low or nonexistent.

Aims and Objectives

The workshop's broad aims and objectives were to enhance capacity of the ICT/Computer studies teachers to:

• Teach ICT/Computer Studied better using the methods recommended by NCDC
• Do more effective formative assessment and evaluation of students
• Relate what they are teaching to the skills requirements in the job market
• Help schools develop their website
• Involve their schools in project-based learning.
• be able to identify challenges affecting ICT in teaching and learning, come up with solutions that they can implement and advocate for desirable change.
• Be able to identify challenges affecting ICT in teaching and learning and come up with solutions that they can implement as well as advocate for desirable change.
• Network and learn from each other.

In attaining these above objectives, the activities devised focused on certain key areas:

• Government ICT for Education policies and initiatives
• Desktop publishing
• Assessment and evaluation (formative and summative)
• Website development
• Elementary programing
• Inspirational talks
• Job market application.

Engaging and participatory pedagogical approaches were majorly selected with understanding that the participants were adults, which meant they had considerable experiences that they would share freely.

• Facilitator guided discussion
• Learner driven group discussions
• Participant presentations
• Facilitator presentation especially in exposition and harmonization of sessions content.
• Hands-on group activities like planning to accomplish tasks
• Formative assessments.
• Market-like group presentations

Participants have liked the more engaging learning activities like minds-on or hands-on group tasks and guided discussion.

By the end of the workshop, participants expressed desire to each make a difference back in their respective schools and classrooms. These included: attempting website designing for their schools, introducing desktop publishing, etc.

Recommendations

For a more effective workshop and to have a more sustainable process of tooling and retooling ICT/Computer Teacher, we recommend the following:

to organize workshops that are within proximity of schools. This will curb the bother of having to travel long distances to workshop venue.

A greater deal of emphasis on refreshing teachers' mind on blooms taxonomy (Revised) and their practical applications in learning activities/programs. A teacher's thorough knowledge of and effective application of bloom's taxonomy and the levels of thinking is very crucial if the full potential of ICT in learning is to be realized, especially in terms of enabling creative and innovative learning in class.

We also recommend designing or developing follow up activities as integral part of the workshop. This is necessary for continuity and sustainability of the tooling and retooling exercise.

Full downloadable word doc report is hereEastern-Region-Tooling-and-Retooling-2018-Report-1.docx (382 downloads)

See the report belowEastern-Region-Tooling-and-Retooling-2018-Report (87 downloads)

Full Magazine Report is here below

The post KAWA RELEASES THE UCC EASTERN REGION TOOLING AND RETOOLING OF ICT TEACHERS REPORT appeared first on KAWA Uganda.

The ICT teachers of Government and Private Secondary Schools through Uganda ICT Teacher's Association (UITA) held a powerful 2-day capacity building workshop that ended Thursday September 6, 2018 at Kololo SS main Hall. This also doubled as the first Annual General Meeting (AGM) for the Association. The Executive committee was officially elected and confirmed by the representatives who came from the whole country.

The participants were greatly inspired by experienced and motivational speakers who took them through a fully packed program ranging from Desktop publishing, Web Design, establishing and managing ICT clubs and how to set and manage qualitative ICT assessment for O' level and A' Level.

Richard Chole represented KAWA and led a session on School ICT Clubs. Together with KAWA under the UCC funded ICT Clubs Pilot Scheme, Richard has been mentoring teachers and students in about twenty schools country wide to start and manage ICT Clubs.

In the discussions which followed especially on the teachers' Whatsapp platforms, many teachers from other schools which were not part of the pilot schools expressed interest in being part of the program but it was not possible in the short run since it was only a pilot. In this session, KAWA facilitator briefly shared with the ICT teachers how they can kick start ICT clubs in their schools with the resources they have. In future if the UCC funded program is rolled out to more schools, then they will quickly get on board since they will already have some formations on ground, which will simply get boosted.

He also highlighted the benefits of ICT Clubs in schools, possible club activities, projects and workplans. He also gave more tips to the teachers on how to inspire creativity and innovation among students and also share with them examples of Avenues for Global Citizenship and Impact such as the World Technovation Challenge.

Chole Richard is an advocate and passionate practitioner of best practices and integration of ICT in education. He is a Secondary School teacher and Master Teacher of International Education Resource Network (iEARN) where he facilitates a students' global collaborative learning project, Envision My Ideal World. He worked for ten years as an educator with Adobe Youth Voices, an international learner driven purposeful multimedia production program for teenagers using concepts of project-based learning under local patronage of SchoolNet Uganda. He is a Microsoft Innovative Educator, emerging one of 18 best in (MIA) Microsoft Forum for Middle East and Africa in 2012. He is very much inclined to engaging students in inter-disciplinary learning through purposeful multimedia creation. He has participated and presented at several international conferences dedicated to promotion of ICT in Education and Development. He is an associate member of Kisubi Associated Writers Agency (KAWA) and currently a teacher at PMM Girls' School where he teaches Literature in English and English Language.

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