Johannesburg, 23 Apr 2013
Dimension Data's E-learning Management System has increased from 52 schools in eight provinces in 2012 to over 71 schools in all nine provinces in 2013. The aim of the initiative is to give students access to premium technology applications to support the school curriculum for Grades 10, 11 and 12. and is designed to dramatically improve the quality and depth of secondary education output.
The Dimension Data E-learning programme was established in 2006 as an extension of the Saturday School initiative, and provides multimedia learning to learners throughoutSouth Africa. It consists of curriculum which covers English First Additional Language and English Home Language, Mathematics, Life Science, Physical Science and Accounting.
The learning content is updated individually on the trolley system to keep in line with the national school curriculum. As per the Department of Basic Education, new curriculum roll-out on Curriculum Assessment Policy Statement (CAPS), all new and old e-learning trolleys in participating schools have been uploaded with the new content.
The programme aims to accelerate the pass rate in these subjects in all participating schools throughout SA, giving the learners the opportunity to further their education at universities.
"Thousands of learners who have had access to our E-learning Management System have seen tremendous benefits from our supplemental educational programmes. The programme has dramatically improved the matric pass rate in all partnering schools, particularly in maths and science," says Sibusiso Buthelezi, General Manager: BEE Compliance, Dimension Data Middle East and Africa.
Dimension Data E-learning project managers train educators on basic computer skills and how to navigate the E-learning Management System. The system also includes a teachers' development toolkit, which assists educators with day-to-day administration and allows them to plan lessons accordingly. The system draws on the power of multimedia technology to deliver a more insightful and interactive learning experience to learners. Fully endorsed by the Department of Basic Education, the programme goes beyond the traditional teacher-to-learner approach by providing a learning solution packaged into a single digital system. The entire lesson is projected onto a pull-down screen from the e-learning trolley system. The learning experience is enhanced because the system has the capability to deliver audio and visual material, and can be further supplemented by using the system's built-in DVD player.
Each school is equipped with five e-learning trolley systems loaded with content. The trolley system comprises a computer system, monitor, projector, DVD player, and amplified speakers. Teachers at the schools have been trained to use the system so that it can be utilised to the utmost and its benefits reach a vast majority of learners.
The Dimension Data E-learning Management System reinforces lessons and promotes active learning. Lessons and workbooks for each learning area are accessed via the computer and projected onto the dropdown screen. The system delivers a complete, multidimensional and rich learning experience, incorporating audio and visual material. Dimension Data works closely with schools and district officials to ensure continuous co-operation and maximum usage of the E-learning Management System and to maintain the programme's success. "We have also trained district officials responsible for both the curriculum and over 4 000 educators to use the technology and deliver lessons in the classroom environment," says Buthelezi.
Dimension Data continues to align itself with the initiatives of government and the needs of the communities by delivering innovative programmes and solutions that help increase economic growth and sustainable development for all. Over 30 000 learners have used and benefited from our E-learning Management System in all nine provinces. The company's goal is to reach 40 000 learners by 2015.
According to a World Economic Forum Global Information Technology Report 2013 report, SA has ranked its maths and science education has second last in the world, ahead ofYemen. The report also added thatSouth Africa's costly access to ICT is hampering its competitiveness.
"It is solutions like the Dimension Data E-learning Management System that will improve the quality and effectiveness of education in disadvantaged communities, making learning more insightful and beneficial for both educators and learners," concludes Buthelezi.
Share