Gone are the days when Information Communication and Technology (ICTs) in education was “imaginarily a nice to have”. Delivering curriculum content using physical textbooks and the classroom chalkboard is becoming increasingly digitised, to the extent that learning and teaching is guaranteed beyond the classroom setting.
Minister of Basic Education, Mrs Angie Motshekga, this morning, handed over the Virtual Classroom Distance Learning Solution, aimed at maximising access to digital education content for learners in rural and urban areas alike. This is part of the COVID-19 Disaster Regulations imposed by the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) to support online learning and ease congestion on the country’s telecommunication network. It followed the emergency release of the radio frequency spectrum temporarily to respond to the country’s increased demand for ICT services amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. All mobile network operators were required to assist in the national endeavour to keep the doors of learning open during the pandemic. Thus, the Basic Education Sector and ICASA agreed that all mobile network operators must establish a Virtual Classroom Solution to support virtual learning and teaching during intermittent school closures.
Mr William Mzimba, Chief Officer for Vodacom Business, highlighted that the handover of the Virtual Classroom Solution to the Sector will play a pivotal role in accelerating the connectivity of schools to ICTs in the country. “This partnership will enable us to support Government in ensuring learners have access to digital tools for effective learning. The combination of physical and virtual classrooms has become a game changer in strengthening online learning,” remarked Mr Mzimba.
Speaking during the handover ceremony, Minister Motshekga thanked Vodacom for having complied with the ICASA regulations without hesitation. “The Virtual Classroom Solution allows us to have all learning resources in one fit-for-purpose portal designed by experts with the interest of learners and teachers in mind. The Virtual Classroom solution is agile, innovative and modern, clearly indicating that Vodacom takes corporate citizenship seriously. The investment made by Vodacom in public schooling today has a ripple effect of benefiting the next generation of learners and teachers. As a country, we must learn not to spend our children’s inheritance; instead, we must be investing to benefit the next generation,” highlighted the Minister.
“In the main, the Virtual Classroom Solution will make a difference to teachers and learners in selected schools by improving connectivity and making gadgets accessible, thus enhancing computing skills and the appreciation of the power of ICTs. This solution in secondary schools will allow teachers to transform their pedagogical practices by providing improved educational content and more effective teaching and learning methods. Therefore, the ICT professional development for teachers is pivotal for the success of this project”. Minister Motshekga further indicated that the solution will add value to the sector's efforts towards reaching the goals set out in the National Development Plan (NDP). “The NDP urges us to ensure that all teachers are trained in ICTs for better delivery of learning, teaching, assessments and school management. It implores us to ensure universal access to computer facilities for all schools and make available educational materials via modern devices such as laptops, desktop computers, tablets and smartphones,” said the Minister.
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