It's widely recognised that this country lags behind in effective maths, science and technology teaching. Too few teachers and too few resources compound the problem. The result is learners leaving school without the ICT skills essential in today's marketplace.
St Alban's College in Pretoria is one of the schools in this country that is determined to share its resources, assist with science education and change the lives of those learning in under-resourced schools. Led by Ron Beyers, the Ulwazi E-learning Project harnesses ICT and brings it directly to those who need it.
The Mamelodi Broadband E-Learning Pilot Project, sponsored by the Department of Communications, has completed its first three months. Key partners include Motorola and OMEGA Digital Technologies.
According to Beyers: "It's a huge success. The kids are hungry for it and because it's totally interactive and the learners are actively involved, it highlights the difference between theoretical or book learning and real-time visual, practical learning."
The project demonstrates a practical and effective application of technology for learning. It links St Alban's College with Mamelodi schools, Gatang High, Mamelodi College, Mamelodi High and Modiri Technical High. The link is a high-speed, broadband wireless network capable of data rates of several megabites per second, which is maintained by Motorola.
Using Motorola's 5GHz Canopy technology, which, once installed, runs at zero cost, the network allows the teacher to use his computer, microphone, Webcam and interactive white boards (SMART boards). Whatever he writes on the SMART board appears virtually simultaneously on the linked SMART board in Gatang High. At the same time, the learners in the Mamelodi schools can take control of the computer in St Alban's (15km away) and interact with the software in real-time.
Beyers uses Microsoft Netmeeting software, available on most PCs and the learners in the connected schools are not only connected but also totally immersed in the learning process in a virtual classroom.
The DTI Savant fully supports initiatives such as the Ulwazi Project. As project manager Sar'e Grobler says: "It's projects like this that enable Trade and Industry South Africa (TISA) to market SA's strengths in the ICT and electrotechnical sector. There is enormous potential among young people and it needs to be developed."
Given the success of the pilot project, Beyers is now seeking further sponsorship and partners to expand the concept and bring real-time interactive ICT learning to more schools.
You can find more information on the Ulwazi Project and photographs on the St Alban's College Web site at http://www.stalbanscollege.com or http://www.ulwaziproject.co.za.
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