SA schools proactive about learning during lockdown

The 21-day national lockdown, which came into effect on Friday, 27 March, is a necessary measure implemented to curb the spread of Covid-19, but does bring with it disruption to business, services and education.

South Africa’s schooling community has, however quickly adapted to the situation and taken a proactive approach to teaching and learning from a distance.

The Minister of Basic Education, Angie Motshekga, highlighted the measures being taken by her department to ensure uninterrupted learning during these uncertain times.

In a media briefing, she stated: “Since the schools were closed on Wednesday, 18 March, we have had a series of consultations with the provincial departments of education to identify ways in which we can ensure that our children are better informed about Covid-19, they are engaged, and continue their education in their homes.

“Following the announcement of the lockdown by the President, CEM (the Council of Education Ministers) has agreed to focus on catch-up programmes for the Promotion of Learning and Teaching in homes.”

Some of the tailored resources being made available at a national level include dedicated television channels, electronic readers in partnership with mobile providers and freely-downloadable mobile apps, among others.

Likewise, the private schooling sector has taken to virtual learning through online platforms like Google Classroom and Zoom, as well as sharing videos and educational resources to parents during this time.

Lebogang Montjane, Executive Director of ISASA (Independent Schools’ Association of Southern Africa) said they had kept in constant communication with member schools regarding the opportunities for remote learning.

“I have been gratified by the high level of co-operation, collaboration and efficiency our schools have

demonstrated during this unprecedented time in world history. Never have so many millions of children around the world and in our country been required to remain home while continuing their formal education.”

ISASA has created a dedicated Covid-19 portal which consists of relevant learning materials submitted by schools, including worksheets, readers and timetables.

Many schools have also opted to create physical learning packs which have been distributed to learners.

Montjane explained that, while four-term schools are on holiday, allowing teachers time to prepare for the upcoming term and possible extension of remote learning, the three-term schools are currently still in session.

“Most are continuing with their school timetables, largely unchanged, and children are expected to be online for the duration of the standard school day and follow their usual periods,” he explained. “We anticipate that schools will continue to increase and improve their use of remote instruction even after the Covid-19 pandemic abates. While the current situation provides an enforced opportunity to engage with the remote world of work that seems increasingly likely in the future, there is ongoing benefit to remaining current on these trends insofar as they better prepare the pupils in our care for their future success.”

Motshekga stated that the start of term 2 for four-term schools will be announced at a later stage.

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