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 A complete technology-enriched education solution has been developed to aid learners to better understand and process critical subjects of Mathematics and Physical Sciences. The Information Communication Technology (ICT) solution comprises of digital interactive curriculum software developed for the South African curriculum and delivered on a sustainable, purpose-built platform. A hand-over function to mark the commencement of a three year educator development and learner performance improvement programme using ICT was held in Ekurhuleni on 8 February.
A partnership was formed between The Michael & Susan Dell Foundation (MSDF), The Maths Centre (a registered non profit organization, NPO) and Edukite Learning Services Private Limited - whereby 2 schools in Duduza and Tsakane will benefit from detailed intervention in Mathematics and Physical Sciences.
Edukite software enables learners to visualise concepts that are otherwise abstract. Training of educators in integrating the use of technology for curriculum delivery in a classroom is at the heart of the solution. To offer an individualised learning experience, each student in a classroom will be provided with a custom-built learner laptop (Intel-powered Classmate PC) that is pre-loaded with Edukite curriculum software for Mathematics and Physical Science. Intel-powered classmate PCs are rugged, affordable, student-friendly netbooks with full PC functionality. Apart from using digital content, the teacher will have tools and software to enable classroom collaboration and assessment. Thus, each classroom will be transformed into a mobile lab with all the 45 learner laptops stored in a mobile storage unit that will charge all the laptops at the end of each lesson.
In collaboration with Maths Centre, Edukite Learning is providing an end-to-end solution, from purchase of hardware components and provision of curriculum software to training and implementation.
Each of the two schools has been provided with two touch-sensitive tablet laptops for educators and two data projectors for use in classroom. In addition, a group of forty five learners in a class will get a chance to learn Mathematics and Science at their own pace in an interactive manner.
MSDF has sponsored the ICT solution for grade 10, 11 and 12 learners studying Maths and Physical Science at two schools namely: Mamellong Comprehensive School and Asser Maloka High School.
Their sponsorship covers provision of Edukite software licences for 4 teachers and 45 learners, provision of 4 touch-sensitive tablet laptops for teachers and 4 data projectors for use in classroom, 45 Classmate PCs, 2 mobile storage units for charging the learner laptops, extensive training for the teachers for using the software as well as other ICT skills and learner workshops.
This focused-intervention project will see 19 teachers and approx 300 learners from 2 schools trained on the ICT programme.
Each school will receive two class visits per term to ensure quality training, to evaluate learner performance and to ensure that teachers fully understand the content. All educators will receive a minimum of three training sessions on using ICT per term and three learner workshops on the overall Maths and Science curriculum work.
Mr. Aravind Venkataraman, Director of Edukite Learning, demonstrated the benefits of using Edukite Interactive Curriculum software to improve teaching methods and enhance the quality of learning at the launch. One of the educators showed the enthusiasm to volunteer and demonstrate his fellow teachers on how to use the software in the class.
This article submitted by:
Puleng Mphanya
Maths Centre Media Officer
Gauteng |
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