Life at Ridge Experimental School

The computer group has successfully completed one week teaching computer classes at Ridge Experimental Junior High School, and has started a second. Classes this week and last have gone exceptionally well.

The students really enjoying working with the computers. We have taught several classes to the first and second form students (seventh and eighth grade students). Although a couple students do have computer experience, most have never seen a computer.

We gave the students the assignment of writing a letter to a student in the United States about their life and family in Ghana. They handwrote rough drafts of their letters, and have been working on typing their letters. Typing their letters has allowed them to practice their typing skills, as well as simple computer functions such as saving a document. We had to explain what the backspace bar did, and how to use "Enter" to begin typing on another line. They are quick learners, and always have a smile.

Today, some of the students finished typing their letters, so we gave them the assignment of playing with the drawing toolbar in word. One pair of students made the Ghanaian flag, another proudly drew a heart.

Roger and I also discovered potential project, or part-project for next year. Roger had brought kits to make simple motors using wire coils, magnets, and a battery, and it was amazing to see the second form students get so excited when their motor started spinning. Tomorrow, we plan to do a chemistry experiment. The experiment was a highlight for the students, and bringing more experiments next year would help their learning a lot.

We plan to continue working with the students at Ridge this week, and spend next week scouting other potential project sites.