Via Afrika 4IR training course launched

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The course is aimed at providing participants with accurate information about the 4IR, while clarifying what it means to live and work in this new era of technological innovation and disruption.

Consisting of nine two-hour online sessions, this 4IR course begins with an expertly written introductory overview and features content that can empower every South African with an in-depth understanding of what it means to be a 4IR citizen. Each subsequent session serves to broaden users’ knowledge bases while offering school teachers an insight into key 4IR theory and content elements for educating their learners for an unpredictable future.

Micheal Goodman-Mareme, group knowledge manager at Via Afrika, said that the 4IR course is coming at a crucial time to demystify what 4IR means to all South Africans. It further serves as a vital investment in South Africa’s education system, to assist in creating the required knowledge and skills for educators to prepare learners to be active citizens of this 4IR world.

“The Via Afrika 4IR course should be seen as an essential addition to all schools' professional development lists and tertiary institutions' teacher training curricula. It provides additional avenues of thought and suggestions for how teachers can integrate additional 4IR perspectives into schools and classrooms. There are also a variety of hands-on experiences built into the sessions for subjects such as coding, that teachers can explore,” said Goodman-Mareme.

“Education is changing dramatically, as greater emphasis is placed on learning and preparedness for 4IR. As President Cyril Ramaphosa said in his State of the Nation Address, the government is making strides towards introducing a three-stream curriculum model, with greater focus on vocational and technical education. 4IR education and training will be a fundamental part of that,” he continued.

“How does one prepare a generation of learners for a workforce in a period of dramatic transition and for jobs that do not yet exist? Now South Africans have access to the country’s only go-to resource hub for teaching in the 4IR,” Goodman-Mareme concluded.

The breadth of new industries and careers born of the 4IR is vast, while certain jobs with lower skill sets will ultimately become obsolete. Via Afrika is confident that the launch of this wholly original 4IR course will enhance the relevant skills and academic experience of teachers to thrive while cultivating a pertinent 4IR mindset among South Africans at large.

All Via Afrika 4IR training courses are in the process of being accredited by the South African Council for Educators with relevant Professional Development points.