Empowering Instructors with Chromebook Training: A Step Towards Enhanced Digital Literacy

Recently, inABLE had the privilege of hosting Pawa IT at two of our schools for a comprehensive training session on using and managing Chrome laptops. Pawa IT Solutions is a leading African Google cloud solutions provider. The Pawa IT team provided invaluable instruction to our computer instructors and teachers, focusing on the essentials of Google Workspace and Google Classroom to revolutionize our digital education capabilities.

The training covered a broad range of crucial skills. Our instructors learned how to create and manage Google Classrooms, including adding users and issuing assignments and training materials online. They were introduced to various shortcuts for quick access to classwork, stream, grading, and inviting students or co-teachers. Additionally, the training included creating announcements and comments, employing shortcut keys for providing feedback, grading and communicating with learners, and downloading and uploading media for students to listen to or watch.

They also gained skills in renaming classes, changing background colors, and deleting classes. The training emphasized leveraging Artificial Intelligence (Gemini) for visually impaired users through keyboard typing or voice typing. Furthermore, domain management for station administrators was also a key part of the training.

During the training, additional Chromebook laptops were also brought to the schools, further enhancing our digital resources. This initiative was particularly impactful as it aimed to equip our computer instructors with the necessary skills to create more interactive and accessible learning environments using Google Workspace.

Douglas Omweba , one of our instructors and a beneficiary of the training, says, “This training is a game-changer, enabling access to training resources even outside the traditional classroom.”

The training was not only about imparting technical knowledge but also about fostering a deeper understanding of how to use these tools to improve the learning experience for our students. Pawa IT’s focus on Google Classroom for organizing classes, distributing assignments, and facilitating communication between teachers and students using email and chat apps has significantly enhanced our teaching methods.

Kilungu Eunice , another trainee, shared her excitement, stating, “The training has significantly improved our ability to use Google Classroom effectively, enhancing our teaching methods and providing our students with a more engaging learning experience.”

A picture of Eunice Kilungu, with a title written inABLE Computer Instructor. It has text written “The training has significantly improved our ability to use Google Classroom effectively, enhancing our teaching methods and providing our students with a more engaging learning experience.

This collaborative effort between inABLE and Pawa IT marks a significant step towards enhancing the digital capabilities of our schools. By empowering our computer instructors with these essential skills, we are paving the way for a more inclusive and technologically advanced educational environment, ensuring that all learners can access and benefit from digital resources, even beyond the traditional classroom setting.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Pawa IT for their unwavering support and dedication to improving digital literacy in our schools.

Written by Maureen Ndegwa, Intern, St. Lucy’s School for the Blind Meru; Kilungu Eunice , Instructor, Likoni School for the Blind; and Lily Ronoh-Waweru , Multimedia Storyteller