Primary Students in Ecuador Make Newspaper on Computer
Dec 21 2009, Ecuador [EC], Education
- Source:
- Wietse Bruinsma [wbruinsma(at)iicd.org]
- Country:
- Ecuador [EC]
- Sector:
- Education
Students in Ecuador are making a digital newspaper to improve their computer skills and their Spanish. The newspaper medium helps them better both their language and writing skills, as well as use of computer programs.
At the primary school in Aplicación Pedagógica 23 de Octubre in Montecristi, Spanish class students learn how to write and design by using basic text writing tools such as Word, and also how to consult digital encyclopaedias to find information on a certain topic. Because internet connection can be slow, expensive and often unreliable in the area, most of the encyclopaedias have been installed in the computers.
In groups, students identify a topic to write about and gather all information needed to write a newspaper. Topics that are popular include ‘news from the town’, ‘school news’ and ‘sports.’
In addition to text writing, students also learn how to use computer programs to make spreadsheets (Excel).
The project in the school in Montecristi is part of a larger IICD supported programme that seeks to integrate ICT in the existing curriculum and to train teachers to use ICT in the classroom. Programme partners include Edúcate and FUVIA. The Ministry of Education also has demonstrated its interest in the project.