But I fear all this could be of little consequence to the majority of our learners if access to online material is not made available to all who are studying. That access to the internet can determine your future is being highlighted by this pandemic.
I am sure many educators share my experiences.
I held an online meeting for my Level 4 class but only two students could attend. I created videos and posted them online but not all were able to download them. I sent out documents for exercises but many do not have computers, printers, or data. Students without internet access are tragically being hindered from moving forward. This pandemic is revealing to us that internet access must be for all if we are to continue to rise as a nation.
We have to address this challenge with great urgency. We may have lost some time, but we do not have to lose the academic year. Here are three ideas:
These suggestions can disrupt the unacceptable disparity that exists between rich and poor. Getting technology to students could take some time, but there need not be a delay in opening educational websites as free portals. These are unchartered waters which I believe can provide us with an opportunity to create a national educational environment in which all can participate and all can benefit.
This is an edited version of a letter the author sent to President Cyril Ramaphosa.
This article was originally published on GroundUp. Views expressed are not necessarily GroundUp’s.
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