GetSmarter, an online training company, together with the University of Cape Town's Department of Information Systems, has rolled out the UCT Internet Super-User Course.
The company explains that the Internet is shaping lives. “Our banks are moving online, our friends are all on Facebook, our children watch YouTube instead of television, and their homework assignments specify Google and Wikipedia. The never-ending, ever growing list of new technologies can seem overwhelming.”
It adds that the course is aimed at anyone who wants to learn more about the Internet and understand what the Internet can do for them personally and professionally.
“The course is suited for both novice and intermediate Internet users.”
Sam Paddock, co-author of the course and MD of GetSmarter, says: “We are making a broad range of technology skills available to the average person, who can then apply it to their lives in a way that will add value to their specific wants and needs.”
Paddock and Internet training specialist Masha du Toit have compiled the course material, which is quality-controlled by the University of Cape Town's Department of Information Systems.
Learning online
The part-time, Internet-based course includes modules on Internet communication tools; search engines; online research; managing information; information security and transacting online; social networking; mobile technology; and Web culture and responsible netizens, says GetSmarter.
“Students will learn how to use tools like Google, Skype, Wikipedia, Google Earth, Facebook, Twitter, Blogger, PayPal, eBay, uStream, Qik, Mozy, like the professionals,” says Paddock. He adds that this course teaches students how to harness the power of the Internet, to use its relevant tools to their full potential.
He explains that the course is very practical.“...we feel students learn best when given the opportunity to apply knowledge gained. Our learning model mirrors the traditional learning environment in many ways; students work through one module per week and access all course material via the user-friendly learning Web site using their specific login details.”
Students will then read course notes, watch video lectures, complete multiple choice quizzes, participate on the discussion forum, read comments from fellow students and course conveners, and complete their assignment to apply what they have learnt in the module. Paddock says students are evaluated via continuous assessment, and there is no final exam.
Costs and limitations
According to the company, because it is an online course, anyone from anywhere in SA can take part, but the range is not that free.
This course is useful for those who wish to keep up in this digital era, but given the South African context, its reach is still limited.
“SA currently has over five million Internet users. The course will be hugely beneficial to these people. The course does require a person to be computer literate, and therefore the non-computer literate population of SA won't benefit from this course until they have a basic level of computer literacy,” says Paddock.
The course, including all course material, will cost R4 900, excluding VAT, according to GetSmarter. Students will get a university certificate at the end of the course.
It's due to start on 12 April and registrations close on 31 March. The course will be repeated in September.
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