Virtual Maths Camp

The Virtual Maths camp was a COVID-19 induced innovation in 2020 by IDEMS International , African Maths Initiative, African Math Initiative Ghana (AMI Ghana) and Supporting African Maths Initiative (SAMI) to organize maths camps in about five African countries in spite of the COVID-19 restrictions. The virtual math camp provided the opportunity for students to engage in mathematics-related activities, puzzles, games, and other learning experiences via social media platforms such as WhatsApp and Telegram. These aimed at providing an enriching educational experience for students.

Some team members of GHAIDEMS who are also part of AMI Ghana played pivotal roles in supporting the Virtual Maths camp activities. They were specifically involved in the design and development of concepts such as text-based interactive Telegram Chatbots as well as Pause-and-Go videos to support the virtual activities. The chatbots supported the Card Deck activities while the pause-and-go videos were played and planned pauses were effected for the learners to think, discuss, and experiment with guided instructions from the facilitators.

These activities helped to spread the joy and practicality of Mathematics to all participants, making the subject more accessible via alternative media. These engaging activities helped to develop the critical thinking and problem-solving skills of learners. Learners’ horizons were also expanded to explore new and captivating areas in the field of Mathematics. One of the directors of GHAIDEMS elaborated on the importance of STEM education with some experiences shared by camp participants.

Currently, GHAIDEMS collaborates with AMI Ghana through volunteering to organize yearly Maths Camps and other mathematics related activities in our schools. The Education team of GHAIDEMS would continue to partner and share ideas with AMI Ghana and other relevant stakeholders to enhance the teaching and learning of Mathematics in Ghana and Africa at large.