South Africa: Schoolnet Changes Its Approach to Rural Study

By Lesley Stones

Johannesburg

WELL-meaning schemes to install computers in rural schools often achieve little because teachers lack the skills to show their pupils how

to use technology. Often the teachers are given a short, sharp burst of training which

leaves them baffled and feeling daunted by the technology. They are expected to learn too many skills in too little time, and unless they

are given continuing support they are unable to replicate this learning in their classrooms.

That predictable conclusion has been reached after research by the SA Institute for Distance Education. The study has prompted a change of approach by SchoolNet SA, one of several groups striving to take technologies to disadvantaged schools. SchoolNet CEO Rodwyn Grewan says experience has shown that many

projects designed to integrate technology into schools fizzle out because insufficient support is provided. He hopes the introduction of an online learning community to build teachers' professional competence will be the answer.

"SA is a big country, and participants are scattered over a wide geographical area, many in rural and disadvantaged areas.

"Initiatives to develop schools and teachers in the use of

technologies across such areas have left them unsupported once the equipment has been installed and initial training completed."

SchoolNet is building communities of learners as part of its implementation programmes, using the e-mail and internet technology it

is installing to introduce teachers to collaborative learning. After introductory training, teachers are put into groups with 10 to 15 others around the country and allocated mentors. The groups work through training material on CD, communicating with each other via e-mail.

The method seems to be paying off, says Grewan, with more teachers completing the training and sharing their skills in the classroom. The next school to benefit from the system will be Sandi Senior Secondary School near Umtata, where computer equipment will be installed this

month.

Source: Allafrica.com