Ghanaian blackboard computer teacher gets standing ovation at Microsoft summit

Richard Akoto Appiah, the Ghanaian ICT teacher at Betenase M/A JHS at Sekyedomase in the Ashanti Region, who posted pictures of himself drawing the Microsoft interface on a blackboard, received a standing ovation as he mounted the stage at the Microsoft Education conference in Singapore.

Prime News gathered that Richard had arrived in Singapore for the summit upon an invitation by Microsoft Africa who upon finding his viral post promised to equip him with devices, free development resources and access to their MCE program.

Vice President for Worldwide Education at Microsoft, Anthony Salcito, commended Richard Akoto for inspiring the world in his effort to help his students against all odds.

Richard Akoto addressing hundreds of educators from 91 countries shared his story while expressing how relieved he was that his tudents will now have access to computers.

“I wanted to teach my pupils how to launch Microsoft Word. But I had no computer to show them. I had to do my best. So, I decided to draw what the screen looks like on the blackboard with chalk,” he said.

“I drew the features and labeled them correctly so that they would know what-was-what. Then I drew what you would see on your computer screen after launching Word.

“I have been doing this every time the lesson I’m teaching demands it. I’ve drawn monitors, system units, keyboards, a mouse, a formatting toolbar, a drawing toolbar, and so on. The students were okay with that. They are used to me doing everything on the board for them. When I did this, it was nothing new or strange for them,” he said.

“Something very positive has come out of this and I am very happy. We are no longer going to use the chalkboard again. We will have computers,” he added.

Not only has Richard's story gotten the support of Microsoft but a benefactor at UK's University of Leeds recently donated a brand new laptop to the school. Bluecrest College also donated 5 desktop computers to Betenase M/A JHS, and one laptop for Akoto's personal use.

Read also:  Ghana’s blackboard computer teacher lands in Singapore for Microsoft Summit