Educators need to move beyond discussions of the digital divide and start embracing digital inclusion, says Kobus van Wyk, Khanya Project programme manager at the Western Cape Education Department.
“The digital divide is a negative concept, with the emphasis on not having, and many teachers are still teaching in 19th-century classrooms. They need to move to digital inclusion and look at new ways of delivering lessons, using all kinds of educational technology right through to text messages on the cellphone,” says Van Wyk.
The Khanya Technology in Education Project explores the application of technology in improving the quality of education, according to Van Wyk.
Quoting Malcolm Gladwell's book, 'The Tipping Point', which discusses small things that make a big difference, Van Wyk says, “radio, motion pictures, television, computers - none of them have 'tipped' education. I believe we've reached a tipping point now, with interactive whiteboards.”
He believes using interactive whiteboards in schools can achieve positive results, but says these whiteboards should be used in each classroom, and not only in libraries or computer labs. “The technology is successful only if it is used in the classroom. That's when the interactive whiteboard comes into its own; it can change mindsets,” he adds.
According to Van Wyk, Khanya aims to equip schools in the Western Province with one board per teacher over the next five years. However, he urges schools to be proactive, obtain funding, and source their own boards. He advises schools to embark on the process of introducing technology on a step-by-step basis, forming partnerships with the private sector.
Tanya Lemke, education consultant at Smart Technologies, says educational technology should address the needs of children today, using multimedia and social networking tools, and is imperative in collaborative learning and problem-solving.
Lemke argues that learners become engaged when they feel empowered and valued, have a sense of control, set their own goals, make their own decisions, and establish their own identities. She believes technology can help make this a reality.
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