Talking Pen Education Technology Arrives in Lira to Improve Reading

LIRA, UGANDA: Veersity Junior School is a nursery and Primary in Lira City within the Lango region, is the pioneering institution in Northern Uganda to implement the use of talking pens books, to aide learners to read and comprehense.

Situated in the center of Lira City, the school is overseen by a team of seasoned educators from East Africa. Extensive research has indicated that this innovative technology significantly accelerates children's learning and academic performance. 

Our visit at the school reveal that children are thoroughly enjoying the use of talking pens, which serve as a source of motivation for their studies.

The concept of talking book pens may be new to many; they are predominantly utilized in Western educational institutions to facilitate rapid learning and engagement with education.

Recently International organisations are also using to implement learning  among  the vanarbrable such as the refugees and IDP camps children.

Teachers in Uganda do not access  this due to lack of content developers who are able to link them with this digitalised technology hence limiting accessibility and it availability to the community. 

A Mavis talking book (MTB) comprises a digital pen (Mavis Pen) and a specially designed book. When the pen interacts with text or images in the book, it produces corresponding audio, which includes interactive games, quizzes, and multi-language translations.

In an interview with this publication, Mr. Lawrence Okello, one of the founding directors of Veersity Junior School, stated that this pen is aiding literacy especially in lower primary .

He added that the pen  is designed to help teachers to facilitate group learning and self reflection among children.

Mr. OKELLO himslef an educator, encouraged schools not to only invest in traditional approaches to delivering circularum but in digital system. 

"He said, as school, we would want to be a center of excellent in delivering basic education and as such we can not run away from educational technology. "

Importance of Talking Pens and Book

In his  remarks, Alfred Obia a co director said the are blending teaching now with this technology to help improve on pronunciation because audio is correctly made for children to follow. 

He also added that, the introduction of talking pens and books has greatly improve on reading culture..

Additionally, the school has assured all stakeholders of expect improved learning outcome from them. 

Director Okello, who also lectures at Gulu University, informed parents that their teachers are well-prepared  for the final examinations.

He urged them to continue supporting their children's education.