Sunday April 11, 2004

Opening windows to IT

By PHILIP AUGUSTINE

WHILE the computer and Internet serve as our window to a whole world of information, for many, this window remains firmly shut.

Thankfully, efforts like the recent KTKM-Maxis Cyberkids Software Camp 2004 – held simultaneously in Papar, Sabah, and Kuching, Sarawak, last month – gave a total of 136 students and 68 teachers from 34 rural schools the chance to discover the world of cyberspace and get connected with IT.

Incorporating both outdoor activities and technical training, it was a fun-filled seven-day camp for both students (aged 10 and 11) and teachers as they learned fundamental computer skills as well as basic functions of Microsoft Word and PowerPoint programmes and Internet navigation. They learnt how to send e-mails and even building their own websites.

For many, it was a first-hand encounter with the Internet while others battled with their initial fear of the computer.

Representatives from SK Karagasan did not make it to the camp due to a collapsed bridge, which made it impossible even for a four-wheel drive vehicle to cross.

“Many of the children come from extremely rural areas and when they first arrive here, many are very shy and intimidated by the computer,” says Sabah camp IT trainer Asfalaila Abu Bakar, adding that some have never even used a mouse before.

“It was difficult to get them to participate during the first day but we had many ice-breaker activities and by the second day, things were very different,” comments Asfalaila.

A brainchild of the Ministry of Energy, Communications and Multimedia (KTKM) and Maxis, the Cyberkids Camp falls under the Maxis Bridging Communities programme, which aims to help communities use technology to improve the quality of life for themselves and others.

Its main thrust is empowering and connecting the community, particularly the youth, through education and communications technology. The camp also encourages students to use the Internet for educational needs including research and information gathering.

Nur Faiza Mohamad of SK Melalia says she uses the Internet to read newspapers online and search for information that will help her in class.

“I look for websites that are informative and educational. I also like to play online games where we can practise using the mouse,” says the spunky 11-year-old who can not wait to tell all her friends about the camp.

Team-building activities and educational games were incorporated and provided a welcome break from the confines of the classroom setting. Project manager Juliah Shamsul says these activities help instil leadership qualities as well as peer interaction skills.

“The children who come for the camps are never the same. By the time they leave, the students are actually able to present their work in front of everybody and that is self-confidence,” explains Juliah who made sure that all participants were as comfortable as possible.

“We had students crying during the first night, wanting to go home while others found it easy settling in and making new friends,” recounts Juliah. Many also became fast friends with camp facilitators.

From early morning exercises to the patented “chicken dance”, the camp structure is never formal or serious and emphasis is always given to generating as much fun as possible.

“There should be more camps like this to reach more kids out there. Children are natural explorers and with the right guidance and approach, the learning possibilities are endless,” says Sarawak camp lead trainer Nurul Asyiqin Mohd Nasir.

She stresses the importance of bringing technology to everyone and exposing students to the “bigger world out there.”

Similarly, Nurul Asyiqin says that teachers need not stick to conventional textbooks to look for information and materials.

“Teachers play a great role in inspiring their students not to let knowledge go down the drain. There is so much information just waiting to be tapped and they can make a difference,” she adds.

Last year, an estimated 900 teachers and students received training from those who attended the camps. Each of the 100 targeted schools throughout East Malaysia were represented by four students and two teachers and after every camp, all participants have access to various Maxis E-Learning programmes.

The E-learning website will provide on-going training and information which students and teachers can refer to, anytime, anywhere.

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