The Western Cape Education Department (WCED) has turned to technology as a teaching tool and credits the Interactive Telematics Teaching Programme for improved results.
The initiative is a collaboration with Stellenbosch University's telematics services, and broadcasts live lessons to 145 schools in subjects including mathematics, science and geography.
Teachers facilitate lessons from studios on the university campus, and participating schools receive the broadcast signal through pre-installed satellite dishes.
Dr JP Bosman, head of ICT teaching and learning at Stellenbosch, says the immediacy of the lessons adds a significant dimension. "Interactivity is very important to us. We developed a Web- and SMS-based system where learners can get in touch and ask questions [of] the teachers," he says. "It's not just about the technology, but rather how the technology is built into a bigger process of support."
A Department of Education technical report into the 2013 National Senior Certificate (NSC) exams says participating schools grew their pass rates from 60.37% in 2010 to 72.49% in 2012.
Improving underperformers
WCED communications director Paddy Attwell says the programme was part of a turnaround strategy for underperforming schools. "We were looking to provide support for our NSC candidates. Many of the schools were underperforming and had a matric pass rate below 60%."
Attwell says 2013 results for participating schools have yet to be analysed, but he is "confident there has been a general increase".
The WCED says part of the programme's success can be attributed to the selection of teaching personnel. "The whole idea is to use teachers who are regarded as the best in their field," says Attwell.
Interest from pupils and teachers continues to grow, according to Attwell. "We put our videos up on YouTube as an experiment and in one month we received over 13 000 views," he says.
A dedicated Web site - WCED.school.za - was set up by the department and lists subject material and topical videos.
The Northern Cape currently has 69 schools taking part, while the Free State, Limpopo and the Eastern Cape have also shown interest, with a total of six schools being keen on the programme.
Bosman sees potential for the programme on a national scale. "In some places, you struggle to receive a cellphone signal, but the satellite transmission is still clear. That's what we've found to be the biggest draw card."
Share