Dimension Data KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) recently completed a two-week Centra software pilot study at the Sappi KwaDukuza Resource Centre. The educational resource centre, located in the Stanger area, is a non-governmental organisation that caters for approximately 92 schools in the surrounding area.
The centre houses a digital village with 39 computers and provides distance education learners and community members with Internet access, the development of computer literacy skills as well as other educational resources. The pilot project saw the implementation and testing of the Centra Knowledge Centre.
The Centra Knowledge Centre is a user-friendly client interface that allows for the creation and management of self-learning programmes that can be personalised to suit the needs of individual learners. The online application enables real-time communication, collaboration and learning between a facilitator and learners. It will allow KwaDukuza to store, search for, manage and deliver information from one centralised location. The software furthermore allows for the assessment of learners` progress via online surveys.
"We have had great feedback from the community to date and are pleased to see such a positive response to e-learning," says Peter Pinnock, consultant at Dimension Data KZN. "This project has shown that people in KZN are eager to learn - and technology is making learning a reality for many."
"Dimension Data`s pilot project has been extremely well received by those community members making use of the centre. Based on the feedback we received, we hope to expand our e-learning capabilities to include maths and science courses," says Sheena Lutge, administration manager and fundraiser at the Sappi KwaDukuza Resource Centre.
Dimension Data KZN and the KwaDukuza Resource Centre plan to partner with Internet Solutions and a satellite communication company to introduce virtual classrooms into other rural areas. These classrooms will make use of satellite technology and provide real-time, online learning.
"We believe that technology will be one of the key catalysts in the effective delivery of education to South African learners," says Craig Ireland, managing director, Dimension Data KZN.
The centre has, since its inception in June 2000, registered and re-registered in excess of 10 000 community members.
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Dimension Data plc (LSE:DDT) is a specialist IT services and solution provider that helps clients plan, build and support their IT infrastructures. Dimension Data applies its expertise in networking, security, operating environments, storage and contact centre technologies and its unique skills in consulting, integration and managed services to create customised client solutions.
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