According to Ernst Wittmann, regional manager for Southern Africa at Alcatel, South African schools and universities are struggling with the high costs of textbooks and other educational materials, a shortage of teachers in key subjects like maths and science and difficulties in funding IT infrastructure, and he said technology may be able to solve many of these problems.
Wittmann writes that a combination of falling data connectivity prices, more widespread fibre and 3G/4G/LTE networks, and affordable, reliable tablet computers means that schools and tertiary institutions can start tapping into Cloud for learning materials.
Read: Students transform their communities
Technology in South African schools often suffers because there is a lack of IT skills such as the ability to install software, manage servers and maintain networks said Wittmann.
With Cloud, though, students will only need a device with a modern web browser and a decent Internet connection to access the latest learning materials.
Wittmann pointed out that textbooks and traditional software programmes for schools are expensive, but that Cloud offers resources that are available for a low monthly fee, or even free. These resources include administrative programmes, tools for teachers, productivity software like Dropbox and Gmail and learning software for students. These materials are also available anytime that individuals have access to broadband, meaning that students could continue work at home.
Cloud also offers an opportunity for students to become computer-literate.
Read: King David Schools get cold to warm others
Wittmann said, “Computer labs with networks and server infrastructures are expensive and provide a target for thieves. However, Cloud allows students to work, as long as they are in a location with good mobile broadband coverage, for just a couple of thousand rand.”
Wittmann argued that tablets are the best way to bring Cloud to schools, offering a flexible, functional and cost-effective device that has the ability to change the education world in South Africa.
Stay up to date on breaking news in your area. Like our page on Facebook and follow us on Twitter and Instagram.
