Empowering Future Innovators: Recap of the Second ICT Clubs Coding Online Training

On July 8, 2023, the Second ICT Clubs’ online training session took place, bringing together enthusiastic students from various schools. The training was led by Emmanuel Muboki, a seasoned software engineer working with the Uganda Revenue Authority. The session delved into the fascinating world of visual programming, utilizing block coding to build programs. Participants were guided through the fundamentals of using basic blocks, familiarizing themselves with the scratch interface, and even had the opportunity to write their own scratch programs. This post aims to summarize the key takeaways from the training and highlight the impact it had on the attending schools.

Recap of Last Week:

Before diving into the day’s topic, Emmanuel Muboki briefly revisited the concepts covered in the previous week’s session. Participants were reminded about the definition of common programming terminology, including the distinctions between a program, application, and system. The various types of programming languages and their examples were also revisited. Understanding how a program works and the importance of designing and planning for a basic program were also reinforced.

Exploring Visual Programming with Scratch:

The highlight of the training was the exploration of visual programming using Scratch, a beginner-friendly programming language and online community developed by the MIT Media Lab. The facilitator introduced the concept of block coding, which allows users to create programs by arranging blocks that represent different commands or actions. This approach eliminates the need for traditional text-based coding, making it accessible to learners of all ages.

Using Basic Blocks to Build Programs:

Participants were guided through the process of building programs using basic blocks in Scratch. They learned how to combine blocks to perform specific actions, control movement, and manipulate characters or objects within the Scratch environment. The interactive nature of Scratch enabled students to experiment and immediately see the results of their code, fostering a sense of creativity and problem-solving.

Utilizing the Scratch Interface:

The trainer emphasized the importance of familiarizing oneself with the Scratch interface. Students were guided through the various features and tools available, enabling them to navigate the platform with confidence. Understanding the interface is crucial for effective programming and unleashing the full potential of Scratch.

Writing Scratch Programs:

The training session provided students with the opportunity to write their own Scratch programs. Under the guidance of Emmanuel, participants were encouraged to think creatively and develop programs that showcased their newfound knowledge. By engaging in hands-on coding exercises, learners were able to solidify their understanding of block coding and apply their skills to real-world scenarios.

Impacted Schools and Next Steps:

The training session received an overwhelming response, with messages pouring in from several schools across Uganda. Schools such as Mt. St. Mary’s College Namagunga, Ngora Girls School, St Mary’s College Kisubi, Padibe Comprehensive Girls School, Masaba SS, Bishop Kihangire Secondary School, Kaliro High School, Arua SS, Mbarara High School, and St. Kaloli Lwanga SS Mulaajje, etc actively participated in the online training. The enthusiasm and engagement of the students were truly inspiring. Here is the video for the session.

The facilitator encouraged all participating schools to download and install Scratch on their computers. By doing so, learners would have the opportunity to practice and further develop their programming skills independently. This hands-on practice is instrumental in cementing their understanding of the concepts covered during the training.

Special Thanks

We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) Executive Director and the team at Uganda Communication Universal Access Fund (UCUSAF) and KAWA for their unwavering support in organizing and facilitating this ICT Clubs online training. Their commitment to promoting digital literacy and fostering a culture of innovation has played a pivotal role in creating such an impactful learning opportunity for the students.

The dedication and efforts of the UCC, UCUSAF, and KAWA team have helped nurture the talents and aspirations of the next generation of technologists in Uganda. We acknowledge their invaluable contributions and express our sincere appreciation for their ongoing commitment to empowering and equipping young learners with the necessary skills to thrive in the digital age.

Conclusion:

The Second ICT Clubs’ online training session, successfully introduced students to the world of visual programming through Scratch. The training empowered participants with knowledge of block coding, the ability to use basic blocks to build programs, and proficiency in navigating the Scratch interface. By writing their own Scratch programs, students gained practical experience and honed their problem-solving skills. With the guidance of skilled professionals like Emmanuel Muboki and Engineer Paul Rukundo, these students are well on their way to becoming future innovators and leaders in the field of technology.