Tablet training Apr - Jun 2017

With the huge national tablet roll-out initiative the e-Learning unit is continually supporting schools in utilising the available resources. During June 2017 Schools in Philippolis received SACE endorsed training on using tablets in the classroom. The Intel Education: Tablet in the Classroom course includes the following objectives:

·         Navigate, store and share documents and information using an Android device

·         Find, install and evaluate educational apps

·         Integrate tablets into curricula and use tablets for electronic assessment

·         Manage the integration of tablets in the classroom

The more you use technology the more you will become a confident user. The e-Learning Unit looks forward to continue the support and training of teachers in the Free State.

SMART School Evaluation Team - July - Aug 2017

The Free State Provincial Government as well as the MEC for Education embraced the use of technology to enhance teaching and learning since 2009 by supporting a variety of technology based interventions such as Internet Broadcast Service (IBP), HeyMath!, Edukite and multimedia centres of which the introduction (piloting) of the SMART schools concept is the latest.

A SMART School can be defined as a learning institution that has been systematically reinvented in terms of teaching and learning practices and school management in order to prepare learners for the rapidly evolving information age. SMART Classrooms in each SMART school are connected to the internet and equipped with mobile technology comprising a laptop for the teacher, a data projector and other technological devices for teaching and learning.

The FSDOE e-Learning Unit assisted the Quality Assurance, Monitoring and Evaluation Directorate (QASME), during July and August when they conducted the evaluation. The aim of the evaluation was to gather information about the level of implementation of the SMART School concept in the five schools across the province where it is piloted. 

EdTech Google Summit - July 2017

Integration Training Apr - Jun 2017

As part of the training path the e-Learning unit embarks on, integration training focuses on intermediate ICT skills and curriculum based ICT integration. Teachers from the Telkom Foundation Schools Project in Motheo attended the training in May 2017. The afternoon was filled with excitement as teachers explored the manipulation of multi-media resources to improve lessons and question papers. The successful participation of each of the teachers showcased their progress with regard to ICT implementation at their respective schools.

Innovation Workshop Apr - Jun 2017

The e-Learning Unit scheduled an Innovation Workshop in each of the five districts during May/June. The target audiences were enthusiastic teachers who were already integrating digital technology at their schools. This workshop aimed to support teachers in understanding the dimensions of 21^st century learning designs and generate ideas for innovative teaching practices. 

The 21st Century learning design dimensions trained on is part of the SchoolNet Innovation Workshop content:

Collaboration - Design lessons where learners work in structured, role-assigned groups having a shared responsibility and a joint project

Knowledge Construction - Design lessons where learners are encouraged to construct their own knowledge instead of simply receiving knowledge

Self-Regulation - Design lessons where learners take responsibility for their own decisions and pace their own work progress

Real-World Problem Solving - Curriculum-based lessons are redesigned to allow learners the opportunity to identify and address real-life problems

Use of ICT – Design opportunities where learners use ICT and utilize the available resources in a creative and innovative way

In addition the National Teaching Awards were promoted and teachers were provided with guidelines, practical project ideas, and NTA documents. The Innovation Workshop is SACE endorsed and will be an annual initiative to support ICT champion teachers at schools.

Microsoft Digital Literacy Certificate

Fezile Dabi DTDC's pride lies with the success of 67 Out-of-School youth. They successfully completed their Microsoft Digital Literacy Certification (DLC). 

Microsoft Digital Literacy is an essential computing skills curriculum that builds basic knowledge and concepts about computing today. The course topics covered include:

• Computer Basics
• The Internet and World Wide Web
• Productivity Programs
• Computer Security and Privacy
• Digital Lifestyles

Seated with the succesfully certified youth  is Fezile Dabi Centre Manager Mme Potsane and the Microsoft Student to Business (S2B) intern Mofokeng Mohau. The event was a great success.

Award Ceremony: University of Johannesburg - July 2017

Centre Managers and ICT Coordinators from all District Teacher Development Centres in the country, participated in the Leading and Managing Digital Learning course at the University of Johannesburg. It was a 6 months credit bearing course. Participants were required to complete 5 technological infused assignments to pass the course.

The group from the Free State joined counterparts from all other provinces at the University campus July 2017.  The prestigious award ceremony was held in Johannesburg on 27-28 July 2017 where Minister of Basic Education, Me. Angie Motshekga graced the occasion with her presence.

The Free State e-Learning team congratulates Mr Randall Pienaar (Provincial DCES: e-Learning), Mrs Mampho Mxaka (Xhariep Centre Manager), and Mr Rowan Herring (Xhariep ICT Coordinator) who passed the course with distinction!

In addition, Mr. Pienaar was rewarded a ……. for being in the top 3 and Mr. Herring received a Acer Tablet as part of the top 10 candidates.

Free State, you make us proud!

Congratulations to NTA National Winner from the Free State

The Free State Grade 4 maths teacher from Theunnissen, Sara Motsitsi has taken first place at the National Teaching Awards 2016 earlier this year. She won the category of Excellence in using Technology-Enhanced Teaching.

On 2 May 2017 the MEC, Mr. Makgoe, representatives of the provincial e-learning team and other respective officials were invited to a prestigious event held at  Resehamohetse Public school. At this joyous occasion, Vodacom handed Sara her new car keys and all joined in celebration and dance.

The e-learning unit are proud of Sara Motsitsi and congratulates her on taking the lead in her community.