Pilot project illustrates need for IT in education

EDUCATION is a national priority in SA, but as with most areas requiring government spend, there`s too much to do with too little money. Businesses, particularly those in the ICT sector, try to help by donating old equipment and expertise, but all too often the children at needy schools receive PCs they cannot use and which are not meaningfully integrated into the learning experience.

The Core Group, South Africa`s distributor of Apple products, has taken a different approach. The company has embarked on a project called iSchool Africa, a three-stage initiative aimed at promoting Apple technology in classrooms; but instead of dropping boxes at various schools, Core is trying to sell an education ecosystem.

RJ van Spaandonk, executive director of Apple IMC Southern Africa, explains that selling computers is a business  hether the sale is to consumers or to schools. "When you run a business, you devote your best people to it, and you provide your customers with the best quality products and service," he says. "But this is not just about computers. In terms of education, we have a lot to offer. Through our partnership with Apple, which is a worldwide leader in the space, we can offer teacher training as well as technology."

FOCUS ON EDUCATION,  NOT TECHNOLOGY

The catalyst for the project was the Apple technology geared for educators and students. The company markets mobile labs containing ten iBook laptop computers and Canon digital cameras, featuring integrated wireless connectivity and the iLife suite of applications. The iLife suite lies at the heart of Apple`s learning concept, and comprises iPhoto, which manages and edits digital photos; iMovie, which allows users to create their own digital movies; GarageBand which allows users to lay down their own soundtracks and iDVD which helps create professional looking DVDs that can be played in any consumer level DVD player.

The first stage of the iSchool Africa project has been piloting this technology in a number of schools to prove its efficacy. Using the mobile lab, pupils at various schools around the country shared one laptop computer between four to create multimedia projects. The best project will be awarded a R1 000 cash prize. Van Spaandonk explains that the company`s philosophy is that the focus of education technology should be on education, and not technology. "Many of these children had never laid eyes on a computer before, and after a week were creating multimedia projects. This illustrates how easy these tools are to use," he says.

He adds that this phase of the project was intended to illustrate the concept, and ultimately obtain government`s buy-in. He cites a study conducted in the US which shows that students with routine access to laptop computers score higher in writing assessments, demonstrate better analytical skills, engage in problem solving, and collaborate more effectively in school work - all of which ultimately lead to higher student achievement, to further highlight his point that technology in schools has become essential. Phase two of the project will involve the roll-out of mobile labs across as many schools as possible.

MOVING ON

"We have identified the main problems in schools - money and teachers," says Van Spaandonk. "iSchool Africa aims to help solve these problems."

The lack of funding will be addressed in the last phase of the project, in which Core will establish a foundation to enable other companies to contribute financially. "A lot of businesses find it difficult to get involved in education, but we are aiming to make it easier for them. We will help the government by raising money from companies that see the beauty of the initiative, but who are unable to get involved in other ways," Van Spaandonk says.

Core will also provide teacher training through the Apple regional training centres. These provide teachers with an `Apple-distinguished educator` certification, which is an internationally recognised qualification. The training will focus on how teachers can use technology in their classrooms, and will be provided on a regular basis free of charge.



Tags: Education