CT school reaps e-learning rewards

Johannesburg, 06 Aug 2009

Bergvliet High School in Cape Town has invested in educational technology by installing an interactive whiteboard in every classroom.

The school has also trained more than 500 educators on how to use the technology to develop learning material that will engage the students.

“Learners are more focused and eager to interact with the whiteboard because it is a medium that is familiar to them. The technology also enables educators to manage the classroom more efficiently because it creates a compelling focus point for learners,” says school principal Stephen Price.

The high school has 45 Smart Board interactive whiteboards and one Smart Podium interactive pen display, while Smart Sync classroom management software is used in both computer labs to enable the teacher to monitor all the students' computer screens from one PC.

All the school's interactive whiteboards are networked to the Internet. By having access to the Internet during lessons, learners have been able to 'visit' other countries and explore other cultures and points of view.

Price says some of the benefits of using the interactive whiteboards include the ability to produce more professional presentations, having timely access to the world's best resources during lessons, and the flexibility to use different teaching methods and strategies.

“I believe the interactive whiteboard makes me a better educator,” states Price. “Interactive whiteboard technology gives me flexibility in my preparation and in the classroom. I am able to access the best educational resources and interactive material from around the world within minutes, and my students love it."

Price supports the use of interactive whiteboards as a teaching aid not only at the school but also within the broader teaching community of Cape Town. The school's Continuing Education Programme includes several courses on the use of interactive whiteboards for educators and student educators from across the city.

The initiative gives educators from schools with fewer resources the opportunity to gain experience in using educational technology effectively.

When Price asked colleagues about their experience with the teaching aid, they told him it “gives me better control”, “the kids are more interested”, and “I'm preparing lessons using a variety of resources”.