Learners at a Gauteng school become tech savvy

Learners from the Sandtonview Combined School were trained in March how to use technology to empower themselves on a new e-learning device.

Lulama Mabunda and Ntsako Molele (who are both in grade 11) were some of the learners who participated in the theoretical and practical exercises which included coding and robotics.

The e-learning device was developed by Odin Education, who are sponsored by ElectroMechanica, a Sandton based tech company.

The company said the reason they supported the development of this was solely based on helping these learners get the necessary skills they need which would help them when they prepare for tertiary education.

“[This will] give Grade 11 pupils the much-needed boost in their preparations for matric,” said the company.

About 116 learners were each handed e-learning devices which were pre-loaded with learning platforms and 2GB of monthly data.

ElectroMechanica said it will be sponsoring a digital rewards programme which will encourage the learners to get the most out of the technology exploring and engaging with the online learning resources available on Odin’s platform.

The sponsorship also covers the costs of a full-time school liaison, who will provide training and support to teachers in order to assist them with the adoption of technology in their classrooms, to ensure the success of the programme and, ultimately, the pupils.

Last year, Sandtonview achieved a matric pass rate of 80.8%, and school principal Horatio Loff believes that, with the help of the Odin Education ecosystem, the school will continue its upward trajectory.

“Our learners come from a community that has a high poverty rate. With this partnership, it’s not just about giving them access to technology, but about enhancing the horizon of what they can become.”

Loff said the school was grateful for the support, “We never before thought we could have this kind of technology, where learners can access it in their hands. It’s about time that we move on, and experience a better world, which will mean so much to our kids because they are learning better through technology.”

Editor’s note:  By sponsoring the school, more children will be equipped with technology, making it easy for them to learn how to use e-learning devices to their own advantage.

Description: Learners from the Sandtonview Combined School were trained in March how to use technology to empower themselves on a new e-learning device.

Editor: Anirlé de Meyer

Project manager: Anirlé de Meyer