The Computer Applications Technology (CAT) and Information Technology teacher at Crawford College Sandton were recently selected as a finalist for the annual Internet Service Providers’ Association (ISPA) competition.
This year Marina Myburgh has made the final round with the STEAM learning programme. Steam implements Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math to motivate Grade 9 schoolchildren to choose subjects and careers that will equip them to be the innovators of the 21st century.
This prestigious competition started in 2001 and gives teachers the opportunity to showcase their skills in using Information Communication Technologies (ICT) to improve the educational environment within their classroom, school or community.
A panel of judges will select the winners on the basis of a portfolio that best showcases their ICT in the chosen focus areas.
The finalists will receive an all-expenses paid two-day trip to iWeek and the ISPA SuperTeacher awards ceremony which will be held in Durban later this year where the winners will be announced at a gala dinner.
The programme was piloted at Crawford College Sandton this year. All Grade 8 and 9 schoolchildren attend six lessons in every eight-day cycle. Microsoft Office 365 is used by two teachers to collaborate, to manage six classes, distribute notes and instructions to schoolchildren, to receive work from the schoolchildren and mark assessments online.
The programme presents opportunities for the children to extend, apply and integrate what they learn in life sciences, physical sciences, technology, engineering, art and mathematics.
Also read: Science Day for preschoolers
In addition, it extends the children’ mathematical knowledge to Platonic solids and fractals, applies Newton’s Laws to make self-propelled cars from recycled materials, uses modern technology to 3D print and laser cut parts for robots, teaches basic design skills for 3D printing and laser cutting, including building circuits, coding, micro-bits and Arduino.
It also includes building structures and making musical instruments and even making slime, crystals and holograms.
Myburgh said the project has been very successful so far and is having a very positive impact, adding that the schoolchildren love the hands-on approach to learning and even their parents say they wish they could go back to school.
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