BIS #4878 FROM CHALKBOARD TO KEYBOARD

by Lily Nirmal

 

NASHIK, AUG 3, 2016: The Founder of Microsoft, Bill Gates, once describing the importance of computers said, "I am a great believer that any tool that enhances communication has profound effects in terms of how people can learn from each other."

 

Computers and social media has changed the way humanity communicates. Education, financial services, social service, medicine, the armed forces all rely on computers to drive advantage. Father Anthony Fonseca, the new Principal of Don Bosco High School, Nashik, stressed on the importance of computers during his first Orientation for teachers.

 

Father Fonseca's vision for the teachers of the institution was clear, 'Become computer literate and gain a MS-CIT (Maharashtra State Certificate in Information Technology) certification.' There were mixed reactions from teacher's some of whom even expressed their apprehension at undergoing the course.

 

"Our students first have to learn to read and write. We have loads of corrections of books, where is the time to learn computers?" some primary teachers, said.

Those on the verge of retirement felt that they should be excluded from this training as it would be of no use to them. While some said that they looked forward to adding to their skill-sets, "We are happy to try our hands on the keyboard because for years, we were longing to learn but couldn't find the time to do so."

 

The Supervisors echoed these views as well, adding, "Nowadays children are better technically sound with their computer skills than us.  Let's take this opportunity to learn." Finally, all agreed to the fact that as teachers we have to be competent enough to meet the competencies of the learning requirement of today's generation. Father Fonseca has made the school computer laboratories available for the course after school hours.