Top South African school, Parktown Boys has embarked on an Internet-based training programme with SAP Africa, leading provider of inter-enterprise solutions. The post matric diploma in computing and business studies is set to address the current lack of business skills in the IT world and build a base for future expertise.
This course is offered as part of a larger SAP tertiary education initiative, geared to building knowledge capacity. There are currently 22 students enrolled in the programme.
Says Sanet Haupt, tertiary education program manager at SAP Africa: "SAP feels it is critical for students to learn about business and its processes. This is why we believe the course offered at Parktown Boys is more valuable to students than a pure technology based course.
'It also ensures graduates are highly marketable and meet the challenges of a global society, where intellectual capital is the differentiating factor and gives competitive edge," she adds .
Tom Clarke, headmaster of Parktown Boys says: "The IT industry is the fastest growing market globally, and the development of business and entrepreneurial skills is critical for the South African economy. Bearing this in mind, Parktown Boys now offers a tertiary study in a secure environment, without the immediate pressure of enrolling in a longer-term programme. Additionally, we are introducing students into the IT marketplace and encouraging them to study further within this field."
Following intensive research, a Web Oriented Learning Centre (WOLC) was set up as a virtual organisation, as a result of a Technology and Human Resources Industry Programme grant, with SAP as one of the main sponsors. This was set up to educate and train disadvantaged students for the IT industry, with specific emphasis on the SAP enterprise solution.
"One of South Africa's main educational challenges is to make quality education and training accessible to all learners in an open learning environment, where the confinements of time and place has been removed. The channel through which it is taken to market - the Internet, is essential," comments Haupt. "This includes PCs, intranet functionality and Internet connections," she explains.
Parktown Boys has one of the best school computer facilities in the country, with advanced equipment, the latest software and a policy of 'technology across the curriculum'. Says Haupt: "It made sense to extend this equipment and expertise into the education of post-matriculants."
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