The SABC has reminded matriculants that its NewsBreak automated matric results service will allow students to get their final marks using voice technology or SMS in real-time.
NewsBreak, now in its fourth year, is a mobile news service, offered by the national broadcaster to provide news updates, sports, weather and financial indicators. The SABC is offering the service through a private-public partnership involving Vodacom, Marketel, Department of Education, the State IT Agency and Nedbank Dezign Banking.
"Students can simply SMS the word 'MATRIC' followed by their identity number to 35470 to receive their detailed results on 29 December. They can also call 082 152 and select option six to access the voice results or they can register by calling 082 152 option six in order to receive an SMS on the day the results are released. In every case, they must have both their identity number and exam number handy," says Judy Sandison, SABC new media editor.
"Students who are away on holiday can access the results in the UK by dialling +27 82 234 2900 or in the US by dialling +27 82 152," says Sandison.
"Students don't have to register to hear the voice results. The results will be read by giving the subject and the symbol obtained. Alternatively, students can use a landline to listen to the results by dialling 082 152 and following the instructions."
"The service is available across all cellphone networks, including the public phone service. The calls are charged at value-added service rate," she adds.
The SABC news Web site will also provide an in-depth analysis and reports on results from all the provinces, as well as interviews with the top students.
Information is power
Professor Tawana Kupe, head of media studies at Wits and guest speaker at the SABC event, said ICT has revolutionised access to and dissemination of information.
"Matric results via SMS and voice is a unique, innovative service combining the technologies and resources of a public broadcaster and cellular mobile technology to deliver an essential public service directly on demand interactively to millions of learners. It is the only service on the African continent that displays the creativity and innovation that Africans have and how they can adopt and adapt technology to their benefit. It is truly information at your fingertips and in your ear," said Kupe.
"This is an example of how ICT can be used as an application in education, which can make the educational experience more exciting and gives some control to the learner. Information as we all know is power, and information given in a timely fashion is a great aid to decision-making and makes a difference to the quality of one's life."
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