In response to the challenge of under-resourced schools and the changing information and learning landscape, the Gauteng Department of Education has integrated e-learning (using online and computer technology) into the classroom.
Curriculum for key subjects has been revised to incorporate virtual learning tools and specific technology platforms such as tablets, laptops, smart boards, projectors and interactive e-books for pupils and teachers.
Weltevreden Park school Bridgeway Christian High School has adopted this approach and is currently underway with teacher training and adapting classroom set-ups to integrate a new way of learning.
Parents have invested in tablets for pupils and each pupil at Bridgeway is now making the transition from paper-driven learning to a combination of physical and electronic media.
School principal Maria Thiel said one major advantage of e-learning is that it can provide different learning resources of the same content taught in class, opening up the world of education to online libraries far beyond an individual school’s reach.
“Educators are able to use their tablets or laptops interactively during a lesson, highlighting text, writing annotations, displaying pre-recorded tutorials for learners to view, and assigning homework tasks that need no additional textbooks or traditional media centre resources.”
Thiel said she is aware of the challenges that any new learning format can bring. She added that schools need to work together and share lessons learned and challenges encountered.
“This kind of innovative transition from paper-based learning to virtual platforms is what primary and high school pupils need to be prepared for at a tertiary level. We also need to find ways to make the process of learning as relevant and accessible as possible. Nurturing our pupils to become the young adults that the world needs is the role of educators and parents. A part of this process is engaging with new tools and technology effectively to better prepare our youth for the world outside of school.”
Details: Bridgeway Christian High School, bridgewayhighschool@gmail.com
