WCED project

The WCED project is one example of how the telematic platform is also utilized to support communities by providing virtual learning opportunities. The QIDS-UP (Quality improvement, development, support and upliftment programme) team of the WCED approached the Division in 2009 to use the ITS technology platform to provide quality education opportunities to Grade 12 learners as part of a project entitled Telematic Pedagogy in NSLA (National Strategy of Learner Attainment) Schools. The main goal of the pilot project in 2009 was to provide additional learner support to about 3000 Grade 12-learners in 10 schools in the Western Cape in five subjects, i.e. Mathematics, Accounting, English First Additional Language, Physical and Life Sciences.

View messages from MEC Education and Head of Education, WCED.

iTS is responsible for the creation of the virtual learning spaces by using the technology platform that includes satellite broadcasts to schools, real-time interaction via a web interface and mobile technology during broadcasts and interaction via a web-based discussion forum between broadcasts.

The pilot project was a great success and there are many reports of improved results as well as other positive outcomes of the project. With regard to results, one school, for instance reported an 11% improvement in their Grade 12 results. This school also reported the following rates of improvement:
• 100% in Mathematics
• 23,4% in Accounting
• 14,5% in Life Science
• English 1st Additional Language obtained 98.3% pass.

The same school listed the following positive outcomes of the project:
• Learners have experienced enriched learning experiences.
• It promoted teambuilding among educators and learners.
• It gave a profound understanding of certain concepts and approaches that the educators were empowered with, as well as the learners.
• It augmented contact time and instilled a culture of learning and studying.
• Even after the contact session educators + learners could still do some revision.
• This boosted the confidence of learners and educators.
• It brought more interactive teaching into the classroom.
• It improved the pedagogic situation in class.
• It dawned on the learners that a whole community exists out there to reach and touch and that this could be done effectively using information and communication technology (Telematics).
• The self image of the learners was improved. Learners were assisted with examination tips, explanation of difficult concepts etc.
• It improved parent involvement in the school work of the child. Parents wanted to satisfy themselves that their children really were attending these classes until late. Some parents even came surreptitiously in the evenings to check on their children.

Based on the success of the pilot project, the project has now been extended to a further 110 schools in some of the most disadvantaged communities in the Western Cape to provide support to about 14000 learners in six subjects, i.e. Mathematics, Accounting, English First Additional Language, Physical and Life Sciences and Afrikaans home language. In this way a virtual learning classroom with potentially 14000 learners and their teachers interacting with presenters and fellow learners is created.

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