Technology used to drive inclusivity in Western Cape Schools

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“Technology provides excellent opportunities for improving access to quality education in all communities,” says Debbie Schäfer, MEC for Education in the Western Cape. “Our vision is to use e-learning to improve literacy and numeracy, and to ensure that our learners are better prepared for the 21st century.”

The Western Cape has already rolled out broadband connectivity, including Wi-Fi access, to nearly 2,000 schools throughout the province. The Department of Education is now working with schools and partners to lay the foundation for e-learning in the province over a three-year period from 2016 to 2019.

Life after school

“A major benefit of e-learning will be equipping learners for life after school, whether it be stepping into the world of work or further education at university or colleges. Improving digital access contributes to ensuring best education resources and support,” explains Schäfer. “We are committed to improving education for all our children and have already implemented a wide range of initiatives to improve access to quality education in poor communities and improve performance in underperforming schools.”

“Inclusiveness benefits independent schools as well, where learners require exposure to important cultural and economic realities, and to the demands of the 21st century,” says Tanya Jackman, director of EduWeek. “E-learning is a great mechanism for broadening their experience of the world and the country around them.”

Recognising the growing demand for education technology in Western Cape, the organisers of EduWeek, a future-focused education conference, has launched EduWeek Cape Town. This two-day exhibition and conference is free to attend and features three dedicated seminar tracks, designed to meet the needs of education professionals.

EduWeek Cape Town features over 80 speakers, 70 exhibitors and hopes to attract over 1,500 visitors. The conference caters to professionals from across the education sector including early childhood development, primary and high schools, TVET’s and universities. The themes for 2017 are technology, maths and science, digital content, safety and security and inclusive education.

For more information about EduWeek Cape Town, click here.