ICT in Kenya

Today, knowledge of basic computer skills is very useful to everyone. We all need to use computers for different purposes. It is no wonder that the ongoing national census is collecting data on the number of households that have access to a computer and internet. These data will be paramount in planning for the Vision 2030 goals that are ICT dependant.

There is an increasing number of people who use computers more often than they use papers especially in offices for keeping records, doing calculations, data processing, composing and even chatting.

Due to the way these machines help people to be more efficient and effective, many individuals are now keen on acquiring computer skills to be able to use them more regularly.

This need has raised the demand for ICT courses. And in a bid to cash in on this, many colleges – some inadequately prepared to offer market-aligned computer courses – are leaving the hapless learner unsure of what to go for when looking for a college that meets the basics.

When looking for a computer course that will equip you with the right market-relevant skills, you’ll find courses across a range of subjects; from general computer skills and hardware trouble-shooting to office software, business and financial programmes, website design, internet skills, desktop and web publishing, multimedia, digital photography, networking, databases and programming.

Within these, there will be a finer focus on perhaps the computer architecture or peripheral devices, a programming or scripting language such as C or Javascript, network cards and the network operating system, data and information flows with a suitable database to support such activity, or managing resources for computer-based projects.

Many short courses which students or working class want to take run over semesters that coincide with school and university terms. Therefore, the best time to look out for new courses is around the end term. Some colleges also run more intensive tuition that involves a week of full-time classes during school holidays.

Look for courses that will reinforce your career. If the outline provided by the training institute doesn’t describe the course content in detail, you may need to speak to a career counselor who will match your needed computer skills to your profession. After all, it is important to get a clear picture of what you’re paying for at the outset.

Don’t assume you know what’s covered in a course just by looking at the name. Web publishing isn’t the same as website design, for example.

You may notice some colleges and training centres advertising the International Computer Driving Licence (ICDL). This is a programme that assesses basic computer skills such as managing files and using word processing, spreadsheet, database and presentation software.

It is a useful means of recognising and rating your level of computing skills. Alternatively, studying to pass the ICDL is a good way to fine-tune your basic skills even if you only use your computer at home.

Unless you’re an IT professional, experienced computer user or someone looking for a career in IT, certified courses that are often expensive and lasting many months or years, will probably make your eyes glaze over.

They’re aimed at advanced users and professionals who want to refresh their skills or learn how to use new technical things. You’ll often need to prove your skills or complete some pre-requisite training before enrolling. These courses tend to be the most expensive and lengthy, but you’ll often receive recognised certification on completion.

But before paying up, a little investigation is important. It is worthwhile checking the number of students in the class, whether they have a computer each and the professional experience of the tutor. Some colleges only employ teachers with training certification, which may ensure a better experience on your part.

The teaching methods are also important. In any computer courses, practical, hands-on classes are best. You can re-enforce what you’re learning then and there. You may find classes with a large number of students, usually more than 20, using a projector connected to the tutor’s computer to demonstrate tasks.

Alternatively, some courses use a system that allows students to switch their monitor over to view what’s happening on the tutor’s screen. Similarly, the teacher is able to flick their monitor over to any student’s machine to check their progress.

On registration, remember to ask what you can take home at the completion of the course. Besides the certificates, manual and training discs are handy resources to have when problems occur on your home computer. So look for a course that gives out a manual or other take-home support material.

By SAM WAMBUGU Nation media group