Khanya East Blog

Skills Transfer Program

2011-10-18T05:31:00.000-07:00

Khanya MEED presented a number of sessions in effective Electronic board applications. MEED officials had a chance to look at various Smart software applications on how to use the Inter Active Electronic Board (IAWB) resourcefully for Curriculum delivery. Officials find this classroom ICT very valuable for effective Curriculum delivery. Classroom integrated planning plays a major role with the implementation of resourceful utilization and will support learning adequately if integrated successfully. We encourage all School managers to ensure their technology to be utilized optimal through staff members to support learners in their learning program.

Onscreen Marking

2011-09-26T09:57:00.000-07:00

Last week while attending an e-learning update conference, a speaker introduced us Onscreen Marking. This is an interesting tool developed by UNISA for teachers who would like to use electronic-type marking. It may not save you from marking, but it is a cool way to use the marked assignment as a feedback and learning tool for the student.

The assignment that is submitted must be in Adobe pdf format. Teachers can then mark the assignment in various ways. If they click on the calculator the program adds up the mark. Comments can be made on the assignment and mailed back to the student with the teacher keeping an electronic copy.

Some people may not agree with some of the marking methods, but it a useful tool.

For more details go to http://bit.ly/camn1X.

Microsoft Education Labs

2011-09-26T09:55:00.000-07:00

If you are a Maths or Science teacher, please check out these resources at http://www.educationlabs.com/pages/default.aspx. What particularly interests us is the Maths worksheet generator. It generates problems and gives the answers without showing how to work it out. It saves time setting up exercises for learners to practice and is paper-based. Unfortunately, the marking of the exercises will remain the domain of the educator, otherwise the learners can mark them. The target audience are the lower grades, which is good. There is also a Chemistry Add-in program which will help with inserting Chemical formulae into Word documents. We have not looked at this yet, but we're sure it will be of use.

You light up my life...

2011-09-26T09:45:00.000-07:00

A few days ago I visited Uxolo High School and was stopped by the most gentlemanly Physics teacher that I know, Mr Mathungana. Last quarter he begged me to come to his school and install Science Freeware for him. I did this and did a quick training session with him. This took place amongst a number of disruptions as different people vied for his attention.

Mr Mathungana explained to me how he used the PhET simulations (http://phet.colorado.edu) of the Photo-electric effect and waves in his teaching. He explains to learners and they visually see the concepts which otherwise they would have to imagine. Change a value here and there and the investigative process starts. What if..? What is our hypothesis? Instead of getting apparatus together we can use the simulations. Do we have an answer. Does it confirm or refute our hypothesis?

On the same day at Intlanganiso I observed Mr Yali teaching a grade 9 class transformations in Mathematics on the Interactive Whiteboard. He had Master Maths (http://www.mastermaths.co.za) open going through a few slides, explaining each step of the problem. There was a set of axes a one point plotted. The program asked for a reflection of that point about the x - axis. The learner came to the board and clicked the wrong answer. The program responded. Mr Yali picked up the Interactive Active Whiteboard pen and wrote over the program on the the board. He knows his stuff with Maths and with ICT.

Was our time wasted in schools? I don’t think so. To these teachers who are working hard at getting learners to do well in Physics and in Maths, you’re the best.

Skills Transfer Session 8

2011-09-22T04:51:00.000-07:00

Skills Transfer Session on Inter Electronic Whiteboard Skills -

Participants:- MEED Officials all Learning areas and Management

2011-09-22T04:08:00.000-07:00

School library and Computer lab launch at Lwandle Primary
Principal : Mr S. Maqhubela
This ceremonious event took place at the premises of the Lwandle Primary school on the 17 August 2011. The main objective behind the launch was to notify all relevant stakeholders about existence of the two main information centres that are now officially in operation. Launching these two information Centres was paramount as it was through collaboration and efforts of the stakeholders. Furthermore, learners needed to be made aware that the library and Computer lab work reciprocally to uplift learning and teaching. The WCED (represented by Ms K. Mabandla) and Khanya Project (represented by B. Hendricks and S. Didiza) were the main official representatives who made the existence of the school library and Computer centre possible for our learners. The WCED efforts started when Ms K. Mabandla visited the school to meet our school library coordinator. The school coordinators keenly consulted all school structures (Principal, educators, School Governing Body and broader parent community). Parents never wasted time as they saw the initiatives will benefit their learners. Learners will definitely improve the level of reading, writing and numeracy. There were other partners (i.e. Equal Education and Rotary Club) in education who primarily help schools from the disadvantaged community. They indicated from their speeches that they would like to see the centres used profitably for the best interest of learners so that in the end they (learners of the school) are on par with other well-off learners in well-resourced schools. A number of representatives from various neighbouring schools were in attendance also to witness the event. Both rooms were resourced satisfactorily but space for books and other equipment is vast and the school will appreciate assistance from any organization.

Music, dance and poetry characterized the jubilation of learners and visitors during this event.

Reported by Sipho Didiza

Skills Transfer Talking Stories Session 6

2011-08-26T02:48:00.000-07:00

Talking Stories Session was presented by Khaty McCabe. The Talking stories is part of the Foundation phase CAPS LIT/NUM Strategy.

Your views regarding resourceful Educational software support to learners and educators in the school laboratory will be appreciated.

Skills Transfer Session 5

2011-08-12T01:42:00.000-07:00

Skills Program 12 August 2011 Foundation Phase/ Lsen /InterSen & Secondary schools literacy.Presentation on:- Cami Reader Using the interface of Cami Reader and creating an understanding of the way that CAMI works

1. Individual settings –Levels 1 – 12
2. Reading speed determination – Sipho
3. Reading Activities – Comprehension + Flash reading

word Recognition

4. Grammar – Search activity – Steward

5. Vocabulary activity – Faeeza
6. Spelling – Speed test & Create own Spelling list - Siki

7. Language activities – Steward
8. Basic English- Steward
9. Blogging- Bonny

IWB training and integrating Physics and Maths material.

1. General basic IWB training
2. Physics integration with IWB usage. Mark
3. Maths integration with IWB usage. Faeeza

Your views on training material and school support will be highly appreciated

Did you know?

2011-07-31T23:02:00.001-07:00

Did you know that Butane is a gas sold bottled as a fuel for cooking and camping? If not, then you should. When it is blended with some other hydrocarbons such as propane, it is generally called liquified petroleum gas or LPG for short. We also use it as one component of petrol.

Did you know that children learn this in Organic Chemistry in the FET phase? If you have chalk, you can write its structural, condensed and molecular formulae on a chalk board. Then it goes into a book and hopefully the learners will see the pattern of how to learn it properly.

Did you know that learners cannot visualize concepts in Chemistry? How do learners "see" a molecule such as butane? The condensed formula for a molecule of this gas is CH₃CH₂CH₂CH₃ and its molecular formula is C₄H₁₀ . How does a learner construct this molecule mentally? Using a ball-and-stick model (if available) an educator can give him/her an idea.

Another idea is to do it electronically. Using software a learner can visualize and manipulate the molecule to get a better understanding. Since many schools have laptops, data projectors and Interactive Whiteboards it will be good practice to use it in their Chemistry teaching.

Check this out on an Interactive Whiteboard.

Did you know that the Chemistry mark is brought down by the section called Organic Chemistry? Can we do something about it? YES WE CAN, ELECTRONICALLY!

Maths and Physics Tution with Winter warmth

2011-07-31T22:18:00.000-07:00

During the Winter Vacation two District East facilitators were spending some time with grade 12 learners tutoring Mathematics and Physics. While the days were cold the information was warmly received.

While Faeeza spent time going through Functions at Kwamfundo, Mark was working away in Mechanics at Harry Gwala High School.

A shortcoming during these sessions was the non-availability of technology. How different it would have been with Interactive Whiteboards, but despite this it was an enjoyable experience.

MEED Skills Transfer Session 4

2011-07-29T02:28:00.000-07:00

MEED SKILLS TRANSFER 29 JULY 2011

Participants Maths and Literacy: - GET Foundation Phase/ InerSen, SP, FET Maths, FET Science - 5 FP officials attended.

Cami Presentation

• Welcome & Attendance register:- Bonny Hendricks

• Using the Speed-test – Mental maths- Steward Blick

• Using the interface of Cami Maths and creating an understanding of the way CAMI Maths works – Sipho Didiza

• Using Search tool for activities according to outcomes -Faeeza Farao

* Revision of CAMI Perceptual by working through additional activity – Siki Notshe

• Using Blogging as reflection. Bonny

Thank you for attending.

Skills Transfer Program Session 3,10 June 2011

2011-06-30T02:50:00.000-07:00

Welcoming of MEED Officials - Bonny Hendricks-

Foundation phase/ LSEN/ InterSen and FET Maths/Maths Lit/Literacy officials

CAMI Admin (Presenter Steward Blick)

Register users
Bulk registration of users using csv. File
Administer student logons, settings and details
Autopilot
Generate class list/CAMI Perceptual

Interface of Cami Perceptual and creating an understanding of the way that it works: (presenter Sipho Didiza)

Activity Demo: (presenter Siki Notshe)

Colour:1.4.6

Shape: 2.4.4.1

Spatial:3.4

Association: 4.3.3

Retention:5.6.4.5

Auditory:6.4.3

Quantity: 7.3.5.6

My Body: 8.3.5

FET Master Maths Revision Program – (Faeeza Farao)

Thank you for attending.

Bored with Solomon Qatyana's boards?

2011-06-17T05:45:00.000-07:00

Recently three facilitators visited Solomon Qatyana to get things going at the school who received Interactive Whiteboards, Data projectors and laptops.

After checking the hardware and doing the software installation it was time for a bit of experimentation. Learners were quick to try out writing with coloured pens on the board. Opening up videos and music created great excitement.

Recently the whole staff started with training on how to set up the Interactive Whiteboard and how to use it. The theme of integrating technology in their normal teaching practice was the foundation of the training. The facilitators opened Khanya LTSM to give educators a taste of software that can be used to supplement what they were doing. Educators felt positive about including new things in their teaching.

Opening a new building for COSAT

2011-06-17T04:56:00.000-07:00

On 20 May 2011 COSAT opened their new school building in Khayelitsha. A band welcomed guests, which included MEC Donald Grant and the Head of Education, Penny Vinjevold.

The principal welcomed guests and a former learner of the school handled the Master of Ceremonies duties very well. After Mr Caroline, East District Director, welcomed the school back to the district again the choir rendered items in song. Three learners from Luhlaza delivered an operatic piece that was met with thunderous applause.

Before MEC Donald and the representative of SERI spoke the praise singer of the school delivered a spirited address to an enthusiastic audience who egged him on to do more.

Then it was time to thank all who made the school functional and Khanya's name was held high for contributing the ICT infrastructure, equipment and training. It is hoped that the school will continue to produce good results and that ICT will play a significant role in the learners' education.

KHANYA MEED Skills Transfer Session 2

2011-05-31T22:09:00.000-07:00

MEED Officials enjoyed a Skills Transfer session on Khanya Learner and Teacher support material in Literacy material Alfie and K-ZONE. The activities are available in three languages English, Afrikaans and Xhosa. The activities accommodate diverse levels of learning in a colourful learner friendly environment. Activities are linked to Learning outcomes and Assessment standards. These activities should be link to classroom practise to support learners resourcefully in difficult concepts. Meed GET Adviser's agreed that such activities are extremely valuable to learner development.

Skills Transfer Program Session 1

2011-04-05T23:57:00.000-07:00

Eighteen MEED Officials attended the Khanya Skills transfer program that commenced on the 18th of March 2011. The sessions will be available every alternative Friday till the 31st October 2011.

Officials were hands-on all the time navigating the Khanya learning teaching educational support activities, linked to the current NCS curriculum. It was a sessions of excessive brain power and loads of laughter to accomplish activities in GET Maths, FET Maths and Science. This is only the start and already officials find the program very valuable to support our learners indefinitely in resourceful curriculum delivery.

The next sessions will be on the 15 May 2011 and will address the navigation of the Khanya Literacy educational software activities. The sessions will be conducted in three phases, Basic, Intermediate and Advance features of various educational software programs. At the end each Curriculum official should understand how ICT plays an important role with-in educators daily effective lesson planning, empowering and accommodating diverse learners. Most educators at the schools are already implementing resourceful Curriculum delivery, resulting in the improvement of the Lit/Num and Science results.

Thank you to the Khanya facilitators presenting:- FET Maths Faeeza Faroa, GET Maths FP - Siki Notshe, ISP - Sipho Didiza and Steward Blick, Science - Mark Carollisen.

BELLVILLE NORTH PRIMARY – SNA TRAINING

2010-11-09T18:53:00.000-08:00

Bellville North Primary is the latest addition to the list of Khanya East schools, who received computer technology. We could see how proud Mr. Gerrit Nel and his staff are of having a state of the art computer lab. During our visit the school had an open day for the Grade 1 learners and their parents. Parents where shown the computer lab where their little ones will be equipped for the future. The integration of ICT with the curriculum was stressed as parents moved through the lab.

Mark Carolissen gave SNA training to Mr. Julian Heesen, working through the different facets of being a School Network Administrator. Virtual server, Backups, registration of users, troubleshooting and networking – Julian could absorb a lot of information and start implementing his newly acquired skills because of his own technical experience.

SNA training is very important as this is for most of our schools first line of defense against technical problems. The SNA is expected to do maintenance and troubleshooting of the network and to give support to educators in the beginning. SNA’s often have to work after school hours in the lab as they still have their normal duties as educators and very seldom are given time for their lab administration.

So here is a big thank you to all the SNA’s (LAN) who is doing a brilliant job and seldom receive a word of appreciation for the hard work behind the scenes.

Spot the difference with Geogebra

2010-11-09T10:58:00.001-08:00

Spot the difference between the first and second pictures.

In Picture 1 Faeeza, the maths facilitator, jumps into action when asked about drawing pictures in Word. Quickly she opened Geogebra and drew the graphs the teachers requested. Afterward, she imported them to Word.

In Picture 2 Ms Mnisi, maths educator later followed Faeeza's example and drew the shapes she wanted. This was a good example of the instructor being modeled by the students. The maths HOD, Mr Fass and a Maths literacy educator were impressed with the outcome. These images (graphs and shapes) will now take the place of cutting and pasting (with a pair of scissors and glue). "What about using this with the Interactive Whiteboard?" Mr Fass asked. Not a problem!

Keep up the good work Chris Hani Maths educators!

Big plans for Malibu

2010-11-09T10:38:00.000-08:00

It did not take long for Malibu Secondary to use their newly installed lab. Sporting new computers with flat screens, the school is excited about installing new technology so that educators and learners can benefit educationally. Learners were already registered to the Maths software. A group of grade tens visited the lab doing some financial maths problems on their own. Mr Wyngaardt, the Maths and Science teacher kept a watchful eye as the learners worked through the Master Maths material.

Science software must still be installed so that the room is optimally used by mainly Maths and Science learners. It seems as if the school has big, big plans. Other hardware is waiting to be installed so that the school is an example of ICT is used in teaching.

Khanya ICT support photo Album

2010-11-09T03:58:00.000-08:00

KHANYA/MEED - presented Electronic Whiteboard Curriculum intergrated sessions to MEED officials.

Kleinvlei Secondary is boasting with a new CAT Lab

2010-11-09T03:51:00.000-08:00

The staff of Kleinvlei Secondary took the initiative to look for sponsorships to make their dream come true and could manage to get Standard Bank on board who paint the room, put in some blinds, did the infrastructure and even organize that they could have an air conditioner in the room.
Mr Bezuidenhoudt is very excited about this venture, because now he can teach CAT by using a data projector to show the learners exactly what to do and where to click on their computers.

Mr du Toit, Physical Science and Mathematics educator is using the EIAWB. He mentioned how he enjoys the technology to enhance the curriculum. Every morning it is the responsibility of a learner to connect the equipment in the EIAWB room. What a wonderful way to empower our learners.

Well done to Kleinvlei for their efforts in making a dream come true and to the Mathematics team for using the technology at their school.

Faeeza Farao

Isikhokelo Primary takes part in CAMI Speedtest Challenge Competition

2010-10-06T05:04:00.000-07:00

Isikhokelo Primary has taken an initiative to motivate learners in Maths. The school decided to participate in the CAMI Speedtest Challenge Competition which was open to any school to partake. The initiative was spearheaded by Maths educators at the school. Internally, the school started by identifying 10 learners per grade from grade 4 to grade 7. Learners with highest Performance Indicator ( PI) were chosen for semi-finals. The internal competition has yielded good results as two learners were identified to represent the school in the CAMI Speedtest Challenge finals to be held in Garden Route Mall, George on the 08 October 2010. The two learners are Thandokazi Hlwele ( Grade 6) and Odwa Mateyisi ( Grade 7). Ms B. Kwazayo (Maths educator) indicated that this initiative aimed to motivate love of Mathematics in all learners at their school in so much that prizes will be awarded to first three learners who had highest Performance Indicator(PI) among 10 learners initially chosen in each grade.

EIAWB + Data Projector cable issue - 180x

2010-09-17T11:45:00.000-07:00

Due to the DAILY attachment operation between a data projector cable and the laptop, things will go wrong and bend ! The "heavy" black data cable also can contribute to the following set of photos. A quick calculation is that in one week the cable get plugged in 5x; in a month 20x times and in a year more than 180x !!! Question is : "Will in last these thin needle poined copper pins ?

Strike! while the iron is hot

2010-09-03T04:37:00.000-07:00

Kwamfundo High school took every opportunity to get in as must tutoring and revision as possible. Here grade 11 learners are being put through their paces. "We must get these learners to learn as much as possible. Now!" Ms Gungqisa, maths HOD says. "We must strike while the iron is hot" is her belief. Throwing everything at the learners that she can muster, she feels that ICT can still help the learner to improve their understanding of difficult concepts.

At Zola, the maths software was reinstalled. Mr Matwa did not wait for anybody else and lead by example. He registered his grade 12 mathematical literacy learners and got them to work immediately. From here the maths programme was extended to his classroom where he will teach with it using a data projector. The rest of the mathematics educators will undergo more training to become more effective users of this resources in their classroom.

The GIS educator at Chris Hani is an avid user of ICT in her lessons. Most of the time she uses her Interactive Whitboard. This time she brought he class to the lab to use the GIS software. Opening up maps of South Africa, she got learners to navigate to the relevant information that they required to complete their task on various aspects of the South African socio-economic conditions.

At Malibu, a different type of excitement is evident. Mr Wyngaardt managed to get the Starboard working again. Being a man of persistance, he does not give up easily when something does not work. "I want this thing to work today still. " he told the Life Sciences Educator. While Mr Esbe was taking weaker learners through their paces with the maths software, Mr Wyngaard remarked how the Applets on Electrodynamics and Diffraction will work on this board.

Are we now starting to see a conversion from traditional teaching methods such as chalk-and-talk sage-on-stage to more interactive e-learning experiences? I think so, but it is a very slow process.

ICT - WHAT'S THE POINT?

2010-09-03T04:10:00.000-07:00

ICT across the curriculum - is a key aim for all schools. The use of ICT in the classroom is not an optional extra; it SHOULD BE a National Curriculum requirement.

ICT - Information Communication Technology - is the technical term given to the use of computers in education. The 'Communication' part is a fairly recent addition to take account of the connected nature of the Internet.

As teachers, ICT can bring enormous benefits to the class. From an educational aspect, the use of computers brings dynamism to lessons, putting pupils more in control of their learning, permitting independent progress and development. If used effectively, ICT can be an incredible tool for every single subject. From the pupils' aspect, the response can be seen immediately.

Whilst such keenness is a welcome benefit, if pupils are entering a lesson with such a positive attitude the learning potential is already increased. The interactive nature of computers allows pupils to become more involved, permitting effective and active learning

Yet it is vital to see ICT as another tool available for the teacher - it is not the answer for everything. ICT should be used in combination with more traditional teaching techniques. Similarly the chosen ICT activity is also vital - just sitting a child in front of a PC and expecting them to teach themselves is useless.

INTERACTIVITY - effective use of ICT in the classroom makes pupils feel they are in control. Not of the class, but in terms of independent learning. They can see the results of CAMI and KHANYA LTSM immediately in front of them.

SUITABILITY - see ICT as another additional tool available to you - yet an interactive and dynamic tool. With sensible use, the educational benefits are immense.

BACKUP PLAN - always have something just in case things go wrong. A paper based activity that can be given out. Problems are bound to occur if you don't plan.

Brooklands Primary still on the go!

2010-09-03T03:39:00.000-07:00

Brooklands Primary school learners are using CAMI Maths SpeedTest to sharpen their Mental skills. This Mental skills activity was followed by basic operations acivity in CAMI Maths ( Keystrokes: 1.3.8.3; 1.4.6.1). The educators and learners of Brooklands Primary have been using the lab to its fullest potential for a number of years now. The Principal ( Mrs H. Links) is very much involved with implementation of curriclum integration in the lab through her diligent ICT committee led by Mr Earl Norman. Educators at this school feel that they are ready to embrace any new technology or software available on the market. They boldly yearn for Electronic InterActive Whiteboard to use it for Literacy and Numeracy consolidation activities.

Interactive Whiteboard is an ideal tool for teaching at schools

2010-09-03T01:42:00.000-07:00

Our world is changing, and information and communication technology (ICT) is central
to this change. These advances in ICT have dramatically changed the learning and teaching process, and have expanded new learning opportunities and access to educational resources
beyond those traditionally available.

Researchers have concluded that ICT has become one of the main building blocks worldwide as it permeates the business environment, underpins the success of modern corporations, and provides governments with an efficient infrastructure. ICT is viewed as a tool bringing dramatically changes in organisations and departments. The introduction of ICT to our schools has created new possibilities for learners and educators to engage in new ways of information selection, gathering and teaching.

Educators in Khayelitsha seem to agree with the above statements as they embraced the new technologies at their schools. Educators are showing the variety of activities that can be done using the Interactive Whiteboards. Technology is not there at schools to replace nor threaten educators but it is seen as one of the tools/resources to enhance teaching and learning.

Joe Slovo on the road?

2010-07-28T09:11:00.000-07:00

Today, after many attempts, training started at Joe Slovo Secondary school. It was a good day. We found the back containing the remote control and pens. Keke, the maths educator, took easily to the board and was quite excited to make some waves. We opened and closed some installed software on the board.

The English educator who is stationed in the library, like the idea that learners will be visiting the room frequently to have a different learning experience. She navigated through the Mindset library to view what was available for English First Additional language.

During next week more educators will join the Interactive Whiteboard training. Till then they promised to practice, practice, practice.

Sometimes the old are still useful - To tech or not to tech?

2010-07-27T10:38:00.000-07:00

If the newer technology fails what alternatives are there? If help is not so easily available and your technology is sorely needed? Who do you call? Ghostbusters.....oops!.....facilitators.

A year-old laptop would not communicate with the data projector. After much fussing about and calls made we decided to go back to older technology. The school provided a desktop PC from a

previous lab the school had. When the data projector was plugged in, it immediately sprung to life. Hallelujah!

We installed Geogebra, Java Runtime Environment, Java Applets, Physics Simulations and Smart Software. All went well except that the desktop PC does not communicate properly with the board. This leaves another problem to be solved. Back to the drawing board.....or is it the whiteboard?

ACCESS and IMPRESSIONS

2010-07-16T22:51:00.002-07:00

We always think that technology is not being used at schools, but they are. It's just not used in the way we think it should be used. While visiting a school this week, I found a constant stream of learners and educators visiting the computer lab. I decided to walk a round to find out what they were doing.

A pair of younger learners were visiting some dubious site. I addressed this with them and the educator-in-charge of the lab. Other learners were busy searching the Net for information on the Haber process, a project they got during last term as was due soon. I came to realize that these learners did not have access to a nearby library for research. Their textbooks had sparse information. (I have an older textbook with loads of information in it). There school has internet, but access to it was limited during the five week holiday. Also, these learners were involved in a Winter School programme as well as an additional tuition programme. The time was too limited to do any research.

What is wrong with this picture? I invite some comment. But here are three issues I want to raise :
(a) Are we not killing our learners with too school? There must be a balance here. Teenagers are teenagers and they must have the freedom to do teenager things. I am not against a Winter school, but for three to five weeks? And this is done all in the name of grade 12 matric results?
(b) Learners do not have access to information, be it at a library or internet. The local library where I live have a reasonable set of books, but it also has about four Linux computers that are connected to the internet. You have to book time. Where is the access to these resources for a township community. Their school has internet which learners are allowed to use during intervals and after school for about 30 minutes. And then.....?
(c) Learners want access to information, maybe not in a structured way we expect them to have it. I loved the idea that learners, although under pressure searched for information. They seemed knowledgeable, but they should have been guided through the process of doing an assignment. This is the job of a teacher. I am sure that many learners would just plagiarize.

The other thing I saw was that a learner with a CD he bought for R20 from a museum. It had some Geography stuff on it. He used the teacher workstation to move through the what was a jacked-up Powerpoint presentation with smart multimedia in it. Other learners joined him as he explained a few things pertaining to what looked like plate-tectonics. Now I love this. These learners took initiative to use ICT in their learning. They do not have a single computer at home, but at school they do. The thing is that learning goes on in different ways. It is fluid network of different things. Also, ICT should be used in a similar fashion, not a rigid, boring, unimaginative way (There is place for that too).

I also met their Physics teacher, a young man that knows his Physical Science and is eager to use ICT in his lessons. We conversed very easily as I tutored his learners during the holiday and I had the opportunity to complement him on well they know their work. As I sat down to show him a few stuff he indicated that he will use it to revise many concepts with his learners. He even made me excited. There are some stumbling blocks but he is willing to overlook them.

ICT usage may not be as our project would like it to be, but it is being used......just not the way we think it should be used. Variety is the spice of life and we should encourage it.

EIAWB Notebook 10 Lessons in AFRIKAANS !!!

2010-05-19T09:28:00.000-07:00

See the video on wiskunde les in Afrikaans. Zelda Villet @ Glen Elgin PS het al heelwat lesse in Afrikaans vertaal vanaf die Notebook 10 website. Wie gaan haar voorbeeld volg ?

You've just missed it!

2010-05-14T01:59:00.000-07:00

Mr Dyers was teaching his usual grade 12 class when I entered his room. "You've just missed it!" he said excitedly shoving his activity on Motion under my nose. His grade 10s just did an investigation on Motion with Constant Acceleration. They had to do the research question, the hypothesis, planning etc, etc. Instead of using equipment, they used the Java Applets by Walter Fendt to collect data. The visual graphs made learners think about its construction and interpretation. It went well.

"If we have more software like this, just imagine how far we can go!" he mentioned, trying to twist my arm for more software. He is very grateful using the Freeware provided, but he is setting his eyes on something bigger. As they are using TRAC from Stellenbosch University too, maybe other instructional devices to get his learners to do even better.

DUST - Enemy no ONE !!

2010-04-26T09:36:00.001-07:00

On a recent visit to a school, the D U S T inside the ws box was very VISIBLE. Cleaning a ws box once a term can be recommended to extent life expectancy and eventually sustainability through regular maintenance.

D = Dirt

U = Undermining

S = Sustainable

T = Technology

Albie

EIAWB @ Paarl School Learners to the Board !!

2010-04-13T10:30:00.000-07:00

The Paarl Specialized School in Brackenfell
Khanya has become involved at Paarl School with a view towards introducing Smart Board Technology. Today, this technology is elevating the learning experience at the school and is helping learners to overcome many of the difficult learning barriers that exist at the school. Nevertheless the obstacles, the learners @ Paarl school is using the EIAWB, despite whatever physical or other disability they might have. James (diagnosed with dyslexia) and Mienkie (in a wheelchair) demostrated how to use the EIAWB with success during an EIAWB Cluster workshop to some educators attending the training session !!

Spelling in the LAB + Software on Workstations = LITNUM

2010-03-02T10:29:00.000-08:00

Mr Adams is busy preparing SMPS learners for a spelling marathon competition. A new dimension in spelling at Strand Moslem PS in one where the learners are in the LAB with their notebooks to practice the correct spelling of the words.

CAMI Reader with its Spelling activities and Encarta 2008 Dictionary are valuable tools to be used to do a spell check !!

Well done to SMPS and their efforts to improve the LITNUM !

Albie

Knyp die Katz in die donker

2010-02-24T09:40:00.000-08:00

A phone call.....Esangweni.....again. I answered the call. Donald Katz contacted me again about an Interactive Whiteboard not working. The educator teaching in the room was upset that she could not use the board whole day. Ok. That was surprise number one. I went there late in the day to help her. Unfortunately the key for the door could not be found, but she would not let me go. “We will find a way to open the door. You dare not leave”, she said. I was being held “hostage” here. After a long while we had to give up and as a result I had to promise I will stop there first thing tomorrow morning. What I liked about this lady was her tenacity to not let go and she is committed to use the Inter Active Whiteboard.

Off to the lab and surprise! Donald Katz was busy assisting some maths educators using Master Maths. A new educator was learning how to register learners. Another educator was busy with some Maths Literacy modules (the lady in the light blue jacket) while the third educator was busy going through modules on sequences and series. I believe that this is the type of school we want where educators are taking the initiative to teach each other. Also, educators who are willing to learn and to share will move this school forward. What did I have to do? Sit and watch him do his stuff.

Mr Mbotshelwa, the principal, was happy his school is moving along and after attending the iNET conference he was in good spirits. He and Mrs Phike have met new friends from overseas. Mrs Phike, the deputy, is happy that things are up-and-running at school but complained that the facilitators are not giving her personal attention, particularly science. But that is another story.....

TextBooks + EIAWB + LAB = Curriculum Delivery

2010-02-17T09:45:00.000-08:00

Textbooks were delivered to some schools in the EMDC East Helderberg Area and EMDC Overberg after a free donation was received. These textbooks are brand new and can be used together with the EIAWB and the LAB to ensure the availablity of a wide spectrum of resources.

Seen with Khanya Facilitator Albie Smith, who transported the books to the schools, are Temperance Town PS educators Mr Sharief Davids and Mr G Louw and at Bloemenhof PS, near Riviersonderend, is the principal, Mr Danie Maloy and some learners.
Mrs Gaynor Krynauw of Books24/7 donated the books and Mrs Karin Pieterse from GBPS collected the books and delivered it to Khanya facilitator Albie Smith to distribute.

CCM = S (Care, Clean, Maintenance = Sustainability)

2010-02-08T07:02:00.000-08:00

Taking care of ICT equipment together with frequent cleaning operations, will result into a habitational continuous maintenance program that will ensure Sustainability of all electronic equipment in a school.

Dust and negligence are factors to be attended to and must be eliminated. Start to be creative and put a wooden block or brick (wrapped in colourful paper or contact) under a plug and get learners to be responsible to clean e.g. the air filter of a data projector with a toothbrush, wash it and put filter in sun for an hour or two and fit it again in data projector.

Lengthen and Strengthen the life expectancy of your school' equipment !!

Albie S = Sustain

Meeting place of the minds

2010-02-07T00:39:00.000-08:00

Mr Yali of Intlanganiso Secondary School has taken to using the IAWB in his maths lessons in the classroom. He had just completed a lesson on numbers (natural numbers, integers, irrational numbers, rational numbers) and was introducing the coordinates being plotted on a cartesian plane. We quickly installed freeware such as Graph and Geogebra for him to continue during the next lesson.

The grade eleven had a double period doing sequences and series. Mr Yali called learners to the board to explain their solutions. They were happy to comply. With a little more help the learners will become better instructors. The collaboration between peers while working on the board bodes well for a school who had a 67% pass rate in mathematics.

Off to the science classroom where Ms Dlova with her grade 9 class constructing formulae by using the periodic table. Using the Croc clips software she quickly got an electronic form of the periodic table and merrily explained how to put elements together to get compounds. While discussing different possibilities of how to approach the subject we needed to use the laptop while learners were taking down the examples explained. We quickly found the picture freeze button and went ahead to discuss the use of some applets in her teaching.

This school is using their IAWB technology while their lab is being revamped. This school will go far because of educator such as Xolile and Zodwa.

The Early birds catch the Worms

2010-01-22T23:37:00.000-08:00

The Early birds catch the Worms

This blog story is dedicated to all those educators who toil under adverse circumstances to produce good results in their subjects. Despite poor results, vandalism, burglaries, pregnancies, gangsterism and lack of motivation a few educators still feel they can make a difference.

Ms Mnisi, a maths educator at Chris Hani, jumped in early to use the Interactive Whiteboard with Master Maths to teach a section on Exponential graphs. Learners were eager to start off the year in their new grade. The Interactive Whiteboard has grabbed their attention with many being not so sure of the potential of the board.

At Esangweni Secondary School, Mr Donald Katz was teaching Geography using the World Cup 2010 as theme.

Armed with a laptop he easily connected it to the network and in so doing opened up a new world to the learners.

The internet showed a different dimension of the discussion they just had. Somehow the stadium is closer to Khayelitsha than it real location in Green Point.

Also in Khayelitsha Mrs Christians-Gaffoor of Bulumko Secondary School allowed the learners to surf the internet for information on career possibilities. Information from websites such as that of UWC gave the learners a fair idea of what results they must achieve to study there. In Life orientation she has to cover so many bases and the internet allows her to teach skills such as navigation and research. Her school is one of a few who can allow learners to surf the net confidently with minimal trouble. This is because learners are allowed on the net during intervals and after schools. Educators working on administration in the lab also supervise what learners are doing.

So to these educators.....you are making a difference!

EIAWB Coordinators Meeting @ SWMPS

2010-01-20T11:11:00.000-08:00

Coordinators meeting re EIAWB together with Facilitators An indepth discussion re EIABW training was done with input from all delegates present. The meeting was held in the Methodists Church - the premises adjacent to Somerset West Methodist PS. The garden was superbly nutured and well looked after and contributed to the more natural approach to resolve issues in the technical and digital world !

Mark even had time to relax in the garden while Bonny and Charlotte enjoyed their early morning Moca Java coffee and Green tea in the Garden of EIAWB Eden discussing the 40% vs 60% division of a certain facilitator. Food was ***** and we want to thank Somerset West Methodist PS for this gesture. Thankx.

The hard technical EIAWB issues took 90% of the time allocated to the meeting, but the Red Rose showed us the beauty of nature - and that this natural environment can easily be displayed on the EIAWB and can contribute to successful Science and Biology curriculum integration on a whiteboard!!

We must remember that Rome was not build in one day, so let us strive to give all educators an EIAWB learners driver's license to drive with a few basic tools at first, not to be a Michael Schumacher Ferrari EAIWB guru now, later.

The only difference between the 2x boards is that the old green / blackboard got chalk for fuel, while the Smart Board got an ELECTRONIC engine. Keep in mind it is a growing process - an EIAWB is not a once done, always done piece of equipment. An oil painting with a small winding road through a forest reminded me that we are on a journey, not @ a destination.

Remember there are 5 role players : Facilitator + Educator + learners + TOOLS + Curriculum. Use a few tools on the toolbar - those that you are comfortable with and achieved with it what is possible NOW. Don’t use all the bells and whistles - JUST THE BASIC TOOLS.

The EIAWB Marrriage should be between the learners and the curriculum. Give them also the basics tools: a teaspoon now and not a wheelbarrow. Start from being a Beginner – then move to an Intermediate user - and eventually an Advaced Guru - then you know the EIAWB + CURRICULUM marriage was a success.

Albie - on a digital journey with an EIAWB and a few tools

Computers older than .....years ...... are ANTIQUES

2010-01-20T10:34:00.000-08:00

I want to compliment this gentleman taking the 10x old wss - box and all to the ANTIQUES shop. To upgrade, improve, refit new motherboard or RAM...... no rather replace. There are schools in dire strait for new technology !! Let us improve the LAB with a slightly better ws and technological devices - cost will always be a factor.

Albie

Securing of technology

2009-12-14T02:49:00.000-08:00

The School Manager, School Network assistants, Staff

Securing your technology during the vacation period

Khanya trusts that the technology has been most beneficial in its application for curriculum
purposes at your school. This communication serves to act in the interest in the continued use of
the technology at your school by securing it during the school vacation period.

The holiday periods have gained some notoriety for being the season when schools are hardest hit by either burglary or downright vandalism. With this in mind Khanya advises schools to pay
particular attention to having the equipment sufficiently insured and attending to security.

Please allow me to list but a few precautionary measures:Before going on vacation:

· Ensure that the school’s insurance has not lapsed and that it offers sufficient cover as the
one safety net that the school could count as a sustainability measure.

· Make sure that you make a backup of your system by following the proper backup
procedures outlined in the attached document. The backup should be done just before the
system is shut down for the vacation period and the backup drive should be stored safely in
the school’s strong room for the duration of the vacation.

· Servers should be shut down and disconnected completely.

· The UPS should be completely powered down according to the attached procedure.
Wes-Kaap Onderwysdepartement, Western Cape Education Department
ISebe leMfundo leNtshona Koloni

· All workstations should be properly shut down as per the attached procedure.

· Switch off all other peripherals including the Switches, Printers and Modems.

· After all equipment is switched off, all electrical plugs are to be removed from the wall
socket to avert electricity spikes and/or lightning damaging equipment.

· Draw up an infantry of all software. Software should be stored in the strong room with the
relevant licensing information and manuals.

· Dust covers (or even black bags) would protect the equipment from direct sunlight and
dust.
· Draw blinds/curtains to protect PCs from direct and harsh sunlight.

· Ensure that the windows seal to prevent sand and dust from entering.

· It might be prudent to box and store easily removed items such as mice, earphones,
disks, speakers and keyboards.

· If safety locks are attached to the workstations, ensure that the keys are securely locked
elsewhere.

· In high risk areas the feasibility of storing all equipment in the school safe could be
explored.

· Please ensure that the alarm system is switched on before leaving the school.

· Surely it could never be considered negligence on the school’s part should the unfortunate
happen amidst all reasonable precautionary measures taken to secure the technology.

After the vacation period:

· All electrical plugs should be placed back in the wall sockets.

· Switch on the UPS by following the attached procedure.

· Switch on the equipment in the following order: After switching on the UPS, switch on the
server and wait till the Windows logon screen is displayed. Switch on the switches followed
by the presentation workstation, the learner workstations and all other peripherals

· Make sure that the network is in full operation. If not, report the problems at the CeI
helpdesk on 021- 900 7123

Thank you for your tireless endeavours and indelible contribution to the growth of our learners.

It was NOT EASY, but it was WORTH IT !!

2009-12-05T01:46:00.000-08:00

2009 @ Khanya was not easy, but it was WORTH IT !!

I, as a Khanya Facilitator, just want to say @ the end of 2009, that visiting schools with so many "obstacles" and many other social, emotional, physical, finacial and a host of other issues @ the schools, the learners ALWAYS surprised me with their absolute down-to-earth-up-to-heaven, human and spiritual believes. What a lesson for so many of us with so many .....

The highlight was on Friday 4/12/09 @ Bottelary PS...... watch and listen to the video clip.

Albie

CAMI 2010 @ Petunia PS

2009-11-30T07:58:00.000-08:00

EMDC East and South met @ Petunia PS with Ricus Groenewald of CAMI re the 2010 version. Ricus took us through the latest updated CAMI.

Amoy assisted those who needed help, while Sylvain worked very hard towards his certificate award. Ricus was sometimes on his KNEES to explain the various feature within CAMI.

All in All it was a very rewarding workshop.

Albie

Kuyasa is IT!

2009-11-24T07:52:00.000-08:00

The excitement on learners faces when David and Mark switched on the internet . The educator had already attached the laptop to the Interactive Whiteboard. They were eager to try the new device in their classroom despite the fact that others may laugh at the mistakes they make. Yet they seem to take this in their stride.

We went to the Takalani Sesame website and allowed learners to explore the pictures they could colour in. They may not know what the internet is, but they know what excites them. It is hoped that through the interaction with the interactive whiteboard and the internet learners will have greater exposure to a world far bigger than Khayelitsha.
The learner on the left was the first person to make shapes on the board using smiley faces. Other learners were disappointed that they did not get a chance to try their hand using the board.

It was good to see that learners and educators did not wait for their facilitator (Nontobeko) to instruct them. They took the bull by the horns.

Nontobeko has indicated that she is just as excited as the learners!

Technology Enabled

2009-11-20T04:33:00.000-08:00

Amoy Appollis was in action today as the teacher in him reached out to the learners at Injongo Primary. After checking the interactive whiteboard he encouraged grade two learners to count in English and Afrikaans. Then it was to the board. There was no shortage of learners who would try out the board. This young lady did not need an invitation to do maths on the board. Her striking pose shows how confident she is in trying something new.

Sylvain assisted Amoy checking the interactive whiteboards at Yomelela The passion to engage with techology is evident as the facilitators go about their job explaining as much as they can in the short time they have with the school. This was done to ensure that educators understand how to use the board effectively.

From the learners' reactions it seems evident that they are excited to use techology. I hope they encourage the teachers too!

Umnqophiso Ps @ IAWB mania

2009-11-13T01:21:00.000-08:00

Educators are excited in using the InterActive Whiteboard. Mr Thembile Galada explained the finer details of using the laptop together with the InterActive Whiteboard.

Halelua!!!! to the Khanya LTSM material

2009-11-09T07:23:00.000-08:00

The educators @ Irista Prim are grateful to the Khanya LTSM team that developed such a wonderful material for learners. One educator confessed that if was for her learners, they would have liked to spend almost every minute of the day in the lab.

Sosebenza Primary in action

2009-11-09T07:04:00.000-08:00

Sosebenza Primary has been part of the Khanya project as from 2008 June. The school grabbed the bull by its horns from the start until now. They have'nt gone weary of making use of this wonderful resource availed to them by the Khanya project.

The SNA (Mr Xolani Ndamane) going through the process of installing Khanya LTSM on the server.

Mrs Kamana explaining to the learners what they should do during her maths lesson with grade 6s.

Mr Futho with his grade 7 class in the lab. He is so cool and confident because technology is there for him as a resource to enhance his teaching methods.

Miss Sono is happy to have the software programs like CAMI reader that assist her in building & developing the learners’s vocabulary.

Wat is die slaap?

2009-11-09T05:08:00.000-08:00

Wat is die slaap? ' n Wonder soete ding......as the poem goes.

Khanya work proves too much for this one or is he bored?

We'll let sleeping dogs lie or this one may bite your head off if your not careful.

Lol Sylvain!

Meeting at Intlanganiso

2009-11-09T04:52:00.000-08:00

On friday a meeting was held at Intlanganiso to initiate the use of the Interactive Whiteboards at the school. Ms Dlova was the first to scribble some science stuff on the board while the other educators looked on. Three educators, Ms Dlova (Science), Mr Yali (maths) and Mr Ndoyantya (Geography) have attended training at Zola Secondary School. They are ready to assist other educators who are not so sure about using the board.

At our meeting we discussed :

what the expectations and fears are when using the board,
the usage of the boards,
the time-tabling of the rooms,
the management of people where the laptops were concerned, and
the safety and security of the laptops. This included the updating of insurance.

Just before we used the board Allan Naidoo visited the school to check whether the quality of work was acceptable. Then it was time to play. For a short while we oriented the board again, wrote on it and played with the science flash animations.

Shortly, the interactive whiteboards will be in full use.

EMDC EAST KHANYA Team visits Schools

2009-11-05T10:39:00.000-08:00

EMDC East Team under the leadership of Bonny Hendricks (Coordinator) decided to pay a courtesy visit to 9x schools to assess the usage of the LAB @ the schools during the fourth term. Schools were identified during a short meeting the previous day. Schools identified were those as indicated on the Term Planner of the Facilitators, also without being informed about the team visit.

Meeting @ Faure Youth Centre, the 10x EMDC East Team members (Bonny, Mark, Faeesa, Sylvain, Amoy, Siki, Sipho, Nontobeko, Steward and Albie) travel together in ONE vehicle. The route was preplanned to save travelling time and cost.The schools were in close proximity to one another. We left @ 8:09 am sharp to the first school and returned to FYC @ 13:15pm. The total distance travelled between the 9x schools were 82km from Macassar to Khayelitsha on average 9km apart between 2x schools.

The usage of the LABs @ schools varied from being fully utilized with an effective timetable, Khanya File in place, neatness inside the LAB noteworthy, learners @ the ws doing effective curriculum activities, to educators doing their digital data, to LABs "closed" for the day due to the exams @ schools. During the visit @ the various schools, brief meetings were held with the principals and SNAs, negotiations took place, advice were given, ideas were shared, general inspection was done re hardware and software, facilitators had the opportunity to gather some valuable insight into the LABs of one another and the LAB in general was evaluated re effectiveness.

During the morning travelling form one school to another, the facilitators had time to think about what was experienced at each school. Nevertheless all the formal and official duties, we also had a lot to laugh about inside the "taxi / VW Kombi" with Steward as the driver. The ride was sometimes slippery and bumpy due to the condition of the roads. The rainy weather also contibuted to a wet look appearance. Fitting into the Kombi was a tight business !! Sylvain even had time to ride on a black zebra with white stripes or is it a white zebra with black stripes ? @ one of the schools. Albie was later sentenced and put in the dogbox due to unrule behaviour. All in all - a fruitful exercise !!

Albie

GAMES ? Educational Games in the LAB ?

2009-11-03T11:10:00.000-08:00

After CAMI perceptual activities, two educational games were allowed as a reward for being able to complete the LAB activity as on the OFFICIAL timetable. The time left towards the end of the period was being assigned for GAMES ! To reinforce the perceptual, literacy and numeracy skills and a host of other skills, learners engaged in a game. Is the LAB not suppose to be a LITNUM LAB ?

No, many other skills building activities can be implemented and after I scrutinized the game activities, it can be summarized as follows: reading the instructions of the game (LITERACY), then finding a clue to proceed (COMPREHENSION), using problem-solving skills to do an investigation (PLANNING), from the different learning areas included e.g. Social Science (mapwork) and Natural Science, then the learners had to decipher the task ahead by some word activities (SPELLING), that was followed by some word challenges (DECISION-MAKING), then an area was to be searched (MAPWORK SKILLS), eventually putting together a puzzle (PERCEPTUAL), doing some calculations that included Roman numerals (MATHEMATICAL skills / NUMERACY), also doing some mind mapping activites (HIERARCHICAL ORDER), then they had to focus on an specific area (ATTENTION SPAN), giving some serious concentration, expanding their wordbank (VOCABULARY), and eventually exploring the natural environment (LOR). Further, finding an object must be done by looking at colour, shape, size, spatial orientation, sequences, retention and background.

WOW what an LITNUM Educational GAME !!!

Albie

Is it fair to steal from ourselves?

2009-11-02T06:54:00.000-08:00

photo 1 photo 2

Is it fair to steal from others? Is it fair to steal from our ourselves? How do we teach people to respect their own property and the property of others. The battle goes on.....

Can Chris Hani Secondary School do it?

2009-11-02T06:25:00.000-08:00

Despite a number of challenges at the school, educators are still trying to breathe new life into the school to get it going again. While changing hands so many times, the school has gone through a rocky patch.

As a number of things are still being sorted out, Mr Fass the maths

HOD and the accounting educator

were preparing to use the interactive white boards. Mr Fass

was about to take the grade 11 learners for Linear programming and the Accounting educator was going to revise some question papers with learners. In these pictures both educators were busy familiarizing themselves with how to proceed through their respective lessons.

Both educators were quite optimistic about using the boards and it is hoped the learners will also engage with their educators in a new way of learning.

Pre-planning to EAIWB training @ UQPS

2009-10-28T12:55:00.000-07:00

The 3x EAIWB are installed @ Umnqophiso PS and the school is ready to start with smart. As a team, we sat down and did a pre-planning session on EAIWB training before the first physical practical applications are done with the staff.

Mr Thembile Galata, Mrs Connie Qavane, Mrs Gloria Tshaka and Albie Smith (Facilitator) sat around a table doing the pre-planning stages. Dates were determined and 5x sessions will take place next week and the following week. The last 3x sessions will be done early next year 2010 !

The principal, Mrs Momba, HOD Mr T Galata, staff and learners are eagerly awaiting the new technology.

ALBIE

Esangweni moving ahead

2009-10-28T09:43:00.000-07:00

Recently three interactive white boards were installed at Esangweni High School. After the laptops arrived, training was arranged. Educators were quite eager to get going. With the assistance of Faeeza and Mark the educators have gone through the basics. During the next few days the laptops will be booked out and the practicing will start. During next week a second session has been arranged so that educators know how the features of the board work. As part our the training references will be made to how the board can be used to deliver dynamic lessons.

Thinking linearly

2009-10-27T12:49:00.000-07:00

Denver Ahgoo, a first year Maths educator at Sinako, was eager to try out some new skills on the Smart Board. Here he is seen teaching learners Linear Programming which is considered to be a more challenging section of work. The methods used to solve problems were quickly scribbled across the board with blue and green pens. Of course, the learners wanted to try the board too. A brave soul, ventured to the board for the first time making sure she did not disappoint her fellow learners. Mr Aghoo moved between using Word and Master Maths. In many instances the problems he showed which were typed in Word aligned with some Mastermaths modules available on the laptop.

We hope to see good things coming from Sinako (Khayelitsha no1) Secondary School soon.

2nd Theft / Burglary @ Loreto PS - when will it STOP ???

2009-10-26T21:52:00.000-07:00

During 2009, Loreto PS wat hit 2x in a row with theft / burglary incidents within months !!!!! Fortunately, the bulk of ICT equipment (like laptops) are now locked away in the safe behind a thick METAL DOOR after normal school hours to secure "availability" the next day to be utilized to progress with normal educational activities to equip the already "poverty-stricken learners" with knowledge and skills.

Despite these measures, schools are constantly the target of THEFT !! When will communities / thiefs / robbers / "psychological disturbed people" realise that schools are institutions were LEARNING should take place and that young innocent LEARNERS are being equipped with skills to be prospective future citizens TO CONTRIBUTE to the well-being of ALL in an economical productive environment after them, eventually ?

Despite tight security measures, one laptop was stolen from the classroom during DAYLIGHT school hours earlier this year. Again during ALMOST daylight, robbery occured when a data projector was FORCEFULLY removed form the classroom.

Despite the proactive measures taken to secure equipment like INSURANCE, ALARMS, data projectors and EIAWB that are firmly mounted in the classrooms, behind "small burglar bars", certain "society members" DESPISE these measures to gain access and "destroy" their "own" learners / children from a future - "HOW NAIVE CAN SOME OF US BECOME" - Brutus said to Caesar !!!

Albie without a future @ ALL !!

Manzomthombo Secondary

2009-10-24T05:38:00.000-07:00

On Monday, 19 October 2009, The Cape Philharmonic Orchestra which is Africa’s most active and versatile symphony orchestra visited the school to play various pieces to get learners interested in classical music. After each session, the conductor explained each piece of music and how to listen to it. He also explained where each instrument is located and why. It was fascinating to see learners listening quietly absorbing each note. All photos taken and presented on this blog were taken by a club of the school. During break the orchestra and learners interacted with each other sharing some light refreshments.

New LAB for Bellville PS !!!

2009-10-23T06:07:00.001-07:00

Bellville PS in Bellville got their LAB after waiting almost 10 years !

Mr Danie Bester Principal @ BPS is delighted about the new LAB and the latest technology. He said that he, the staff, the learners and school in general are waiting anxiously to get INTO the LAB to start with ICT.

Altogether 25x ws + teacherws and server with aircon and other peripherals were installed. BPS did provide the classroom to be converted into a LAB and the school did the neccessary layout, planning and preparation of the classroom to be ready i.e. painting walls + varnished the floor + got security measures like burglars bars in place. All that still need be done is the final finish and touches re the hardware in the LAB.

Next step is the loading of the software - CAMI and then the training of 3x educators re LAN 1 + 2. They are Mr D Bester, Elsabe Botha and Elmien Pieterse - they are looking forward to be equipped with the advanced ICT skills.

Mr Danie Bester expressed his gratitude towards Khanya for the LAB. He said that the staff is very excited to get training. Most of the educators don't even have a computer @ home, and this is the opportunity to get themselves equipped with ICT skills !! They are very happy with the project @ their school !!

Albie

Projects @ Macassar PS

2009-10-14T12:09:00.001-07:00

Mr Rass, acting Principal of MPS informed me about the numerous projects @ the school for the parents, educators, learners and community. From the Vegetable Garden (every grade got a part to look after e.g. to remove the weed), Pigeon Club, (70 learners actively involve for caring, food, cleaning and general maintenance), Community ICT Classes during the week on Tuesday and Thursdays by Dexter Fischer (SNA), the Help2Read by 9x mothers to the Somerset College CAMI Maths Support Group is an indication of the principal, educators and school’ commitment to assist the Macassar Learner with skills development. This full program caters to improve the total commitment of the learner, his and her reading and maths skills @ MPS – thus a community effort to uplift the LITNUM @ MPS.

Keep it up Macassar PS !!

Albie

Somerset College @ Macassar PS

2009-10-14T11:05:00.000-07:00

As part of a community project, altogether 17 Grade 11 learners form Somerset College under the leadership of Suné Bothma, is doing some wonderful work @ Macassar PS. The Somerset College learners together with 4 mothers (who also assisted with the CAMI maths training session at MPS) are: Elmien Bothma, Tracey Spiller, Phillipa Patior and Liesel Oberholzer.

The training session for the Grade 6 learners is divided into 2 groups – one session in the staffroom with pen and paper, and the other in the LAB with technology and fingers ! This is an activity that takes place every Wednesday from 8 am to 9:00 am. The focus of the project is mainly numeracy with the the CAMI Maths software.
Thank you Macassar Primary School for opening the door of shared learning to SC. Thank you Somerset College for walking through the door and rendering this vital community support to MPS learners.

Albie

Wendy Adams @ Sarepta PS

2009-09-22T04:20:00.000-07:00

Sarepta Primary has been one of the first schools who got there Khanya lab. They were trained and equipped to make full use of the lab they received and got there e-school status. The school needed a refresher course to get them back on track. Wendy Adams GET co-ordinator took on the task to bring the school back to its former glory. Wendy and Siki did a skills audit and identified the schools needs. The school indicated that they needed support in planning and curriculum integration with the lab. Workshops was held with the staff to show them how to plan using the Khanya Maths software links, Cami trees, educator guides of the Khanya LTMS etc. The educators seemed ready for the next phase of curriculum delivery through ICT.
Schools need support in the lab and with staff members moving and new educators joining the staff there will always be a need for teacher development. Schools have there e-plans, sustainability plans and ICT committee in place but sometimes it is only on paper. All the role players need to take responsibility for the success of the lab.

EIAWB Conference @ FAURE YOUTH CENTRE

2009-09-22T04:09:00.000-07:00

During the EMDC East EIAWB Conference @ Faure Youth Centre, a practical classroom situation was created with Nomsa Mopongwana PS Learners. The learners were actively involved in the Social Science lesson. The topic was the flooding of rivers and its impact on humans.

The lesson included text, notes, link to www/internet, sound (music) graphics, Windows Media Player, DVD clips, and other files were hyperlinked as on the workstation e.g. Encarta. The lesson demonstrated the effective use of the Notebook 10 Software as well as other software products on the workstation. Other Learning Areas were included into the lesson -e.g. Arts & Culture, Language, Maths and Science.
The lesson was demonstrated by Albie Smith and Notombeko Tom. Albie dealt with the Notebook 10 software in general focusing on the different toolbars and the effective use of it. Learners were asked to calibrate the EIAWB including the use of the advanced tools as on the toolbar. Social science content (Rivers) was the main topic presenting to the learners. Notombeko dealt with the LITNUM section, i.e mathematics (calculations, distance, measurements, language, and pronunciation of words).

K-ZONE @ UMNQOPHISO PS

2009-09-09T03:14:00.000-07:00

On the 9.9.09 I visited Umnqophiso PS in Nomzamo / Lwandle in die Strand to assist in the LAB. 3x Grade 4 classes visited the LAB. I explained the navigation procedures while the educator Mrs Nomawethu Memeza translated my explanations. Mrs Ntamo and Mrs Tiny Tshaka were also in the LAB using K-ZONE. The learners are getting slowly but surely the ICT techniques and how to click and go !!!

Harry Gwala bangbroek?

2009-09-03T08:51:00.000-07:00

My Xhosa friends tell me that Gwala means bangbroek. Is this the case with the Harry Gwala secondary school? Today a group of maths and science educators went through an introductory session on the interactive whiteboard. Here Ms Lize is seen writing her name Siki on the board. We saved it and used it again to prove what a powerful tools the interactive whiteboard can be.

Mr Zintu, the history educator, took a chance by posing in front of the board and then started participating with us. Mr Bongisa and other educators enlightened us with their skills looking at MasterMaths, Croc clips and some applets. Of course we wrote our names on the board and tried some features on the board. As soon as the laptops arrive, we will be playing and going more in depth to become experts at what we do... teach with technology!

K-ZONE got A-Status @ Oklahoma PS

2009-09-02T06:47:00.000-07:00

Mr Reggie v/d Merwe has worked through K-ZONE with his grade 6 classes - learners have done all the various activities and explored the Western Cape in detail !! Well done to OHPS + the Gr6 learners + Mr R v/d Merwe !! You are K-Zoners now !!

I want to congratulate you on using the Khanya LTSM software so effectively and within "days" after it was installed and I did the workshop @ your school ! You never waited for the next zone. You just moved to the following zone and the following zone and are now awaiting the .... MATHS ZONE from Khanya !! Well done....

See 2x video clips.

Loreto PS with Lesson with new SOUND SYSTEM @ EIAWB !!

2009-08-28T01:05:00.000-07:00

Loreto PS bought 6 sets of speakers to be used with their EIAWB.

Each classroom got a speaker system to enhance lessons.

See the video clip to experience an Alive Lesson Activity.

Albie

D Ackermann @ Somerset Mall @ CAMI Semi-Finals !

2009-08-27T06:57:00.000-07:00

Danie Ackermann PS took part in the CAMI speed challenge and is now part of the semi-finals. Educators and learners were very seriously involved in the speed action taking place in the CAMI Maths software. Various other schools took also part in the competition organised by INZUZO (The Change Made Today is The Growth of Tomorrow). The organisation is a non-profit organization that is dedicated to the upliftment of literacy and numeracy skills in the Western Cape.

CAMI INZUZO proudly presents the third annual CAMI Speed Challenge in the Somerset Mall for schools. All the best and we hope D Ackermann can make it to the finals and win !!!

Albie

Telkom Science Educator of the year 2009

2009-08-26T10:22:00.000-07:00

Mrs Pike, deputy principal at Esangweni High School, has won the Telkom Science Educator of the year award for 2009 after being nominated by a learner. On the 22 August 2009 she received her certificate and trophy In addition to this she also received prizes for herself, the school and learners.

Our congratulations to Mrs Brenda Pike! I'm sure that Esangweni Sec will reach the heights of science and maths teaching and learning. May your dedication and leadership be an example to us all.

50 000 x 5cent = Tower of Hope

2009-08-24T07:46:00.000-07:00

According to Mr Gerard de Waal, an educator @ Rusthof PS, the learners bring every 5cent coin they can find to build this Tower of Hope. Presently it is being constructed in the library adjacent to the Khanya LAB - an EIAWB would just be the final touch to complete the ICT Facility at the school to view the Tower on an EIAWB !! This is the 4th year they are accomplishing this mammoth task and WIN with it - "FOR THE SCHOOL".....

The present tower as on the photo (not finished yet, the ceiling is awaiting its arrival) is made up of 50 000 x 5cent coins and the bags are still pouring in with 5c coins !! What is sometimes so little and worth almost nothing to so many for us, to the learners of Rusthof PS every 5c counts to build a dream - a dream to help someone ELSE !!

The dream .....? The money is going to an organisation in the Helderberg - PATCH (Prevention And Treatment of Child Sexual Abuse). What could they have done to improve facilities at their own school with the money they so eargerly collected ? NO, to them it is also important to plough back - is to give back to the community, their friends and to a "bigger picture" - caring for people out there whose need is just and even bigger as their own needs !! I would like to see that this Tower of Hope will bring an EIAWB of Hope into that room so that they can view the Tower in motion !!

Albie

Do learners learn from their teachers?

2009-08-19T10:16:00.000-07:00

Do learners imitate their educator or is the learner related to educator ?

I await your interesting comments!

Can Sinako do it in maths?

2009-08-19T09:45:00.000-07:00

Sinako High school's learner's are now more eager to come to the lab to learn since they were registered on the Master Maths system recently. Ms Zide's class visited during the first period and Mr D Ahgoo's classes visited for next few periods. Other learners came during the lunch break just to complete that which they could not finish during their allocated period. Many learners are now more comfortable working on their own. The lab closes any time between 16.00 and 17.00 for educators and learners who need to work a little later. As the Interactive whiteboards and the internet connectivity are installed one wonders what positive effects can come from the use of ICT in their school. As the Khanya team supports a good partnership with school, only good things can come from this.

It is in this spirit the Khanya team believes that Sinako can!

Storms or no storms

2009-08-19T08:31:00.000-07:00

Intlanganiso Secondary

Despite the storms and unrest due service delivery did not keep these learners from school or the computer room. Mr Yali from Intlanganiso High school in site C Khayelitsha took his grade 10 learners for geometry and they enjoyed it. The next grade 9 class also followed, but were not so lucky to spend all their time on computer since marking the homework came first.

Hopolang primary

At Hopolang (Siki's school) some learners were happily clicking in CAMI while Mr Mojakisane registered other learners. Some made errors while others were getting everything right. At the end it did not matter since everybody learnt something. Even the educators who came later the afternoon, learnt about Excel. ICT integration is hopping along steadily at this school.

Obz and the Tazzmanian Devil

2009-08-18T23:15:00.000-07:00

Moving through Khayelitsha on 18 August 2009, proved to be a bit more difficult. First the Tazzmanian had to negotiate these obstacles on his way through site C.
Later the Tazzmanian had to sail through some dodgy roads/rivers/streams on its way to Harare. Unfortunately I do not have photos and the videos are quite large.

ICT in Action and not In-action

2009-08-16T00:36:00.000-07:00

Harry Gwala's maths department is on the move due to the efforts of Mr Lolwana, Maths HOD. Learners have been using the lab during school time as well as during afternoon classes. Many are excited to be there. Despite the problems of a burglary and a server that just goes down any time, they still visit the lab for Master Maths. Their Science department will soon be hot on their heels in the frequent use of ICT.

At Bulumko, Mr Pitso, the science guy plays around with some videos on the Mindset TV in his science lab. He was revising an investigation into the relationship between Force and acceleration. The maths lab is busy with learners using the internet for research. Some grade 12 learners were busy filling in application forms to study at UWC next year. There is no fighting, no unruly behaviour, just an excited buzz about the electronic media available at school. Many don't have this at home.

At Chris Hani, a Zimbabwean drama teacher who actually should be teaching in the the business stream is teachning learners to do research for an upcoming project. He is dynamic, eager and willing to incorporate ICT in his lessons. During a previous period they were using their internet and videos to study different Art forms. From time to time the Maths Lit teacher visits the lab with his learners just to brush on some important concepts of Ratio and Proportion.

H20 - Tar Roads as rivers VW vs Water

2009-08-14T04:45:00.000-07:00

Travelling to school sometimes needs some extra equipment to reach a school - a raft or a canoe or VW with a Hovercraft suit on!

Albie

Let your fingers do the walking

2009-08-03T10:53:00.000-07:00

Mark and Nontobeko did Interactive Whiteboard training with 26 educators today at Zola BCM. At first educators were a bit apprehensive, but with some encouragement they stepped up and touched the board. They tried to treat it gently until they found out that they had to press harder when using their fingers. Unfortunately this board did not have pens so they had to use their nails.

We started off with showing the different components involved in using an interactive whiteboard. Then we oriented the board in more than one way. We made the floating tool bars appear and disappear. The smartbook software was opened and we played around there a little bit. We also used the ,"Did you know" video from the Teacher's Without Borders training to motivate educators to use ICT in their teaching. Time flew by very quickly. The latecomers were also accommodated by quickly revising what was done. Educators are looking forward to next session, but more importantly they are excited by getting their own boards to use.

EIAWB Exhibition @ Golden Acre Centre Court

2009-07-02T03:25:00.000-07:00

On 1 July 2009, Khanya was part of the Public Service Exhibition in the Golden Acre. The MEC, Mr Donald Grant (WCED Minister of Education) was our first visitor and participant to used his ICT skills on the EIAWB with success !!!

The focus was on the EIAWB. The learners who were in the Golden Acre mention that ….“we got these boards @ our schools” and they were the ones “eager” and willing to perform an activity on the board – in front of the whole Golden Acre public - they even have some skills to work with certain toolbars and how to operate them. One retired Science and Maths educator was so interested in the lessons, activities and toolbar functions (e.g. protractor) and the “ease” it can be used in a lesson that he want to start teaching again. We at Khanya must take the “technology” to the parent so that they can see, view and experience the “learning process” that is taking place in the schools with the technology available. Parents were inform about the technology at the schools and they were interested to know about the new “education tools” that are being used to “feed” their children with academic and other relevant education “food”.
I am looking forward to do more "road shows" at places like the Somerset Mall, Canal Walk, NI City, Cavendish Square, Tyger Valley and Worcester Mall. People must sit down and look at an EIAWB demo !!!

Albie the EIAWBoytjie

Mild Curry, Hot Curry and the Interactive Whiteboard

2009-06-25T21:42:00.001-07:00

At Faure Youth Centre the East team met to explore the more technical aspects of the Interactive Whiteboard. Albie directed us through every step allowing the facilitators some hands-on experience. Sylvain, Speedy as he is known, took us to heart and explained some interesting aspects of using the EIAWB. Sipho sat quietly absorbing all this information and smiling deviously knowing that lunch was on its way.

As usual Mark, Sylvain and Albie were joking around with Brian working hard in the background. He had lots on his mind - Food!

At last Allan Naidoo arrived in a hurry with some curry and the East team dug in. It suddenly became quiet. With m or e than one helping we tried to finish everything, b ut Alllan had the better of u s. Bonny took out the tissues while Siki and Stuart laughed most of the time. Nontobeko snuggled between Faeeza and Sipho enjoying all warmth and conversation. And Amoy? Well, his skill around the EIAWB and eating curry is now well-known.

IT Crimes + GlobeSpace Security @ EMDC East - Khanya

2009-06-25T08:30:00.001-07:00

EMDC Coordinator, Bonny Hendricks, invited Mathilda Malamba (Khanya PSO) to address the issue of Security at schools and thus attended our Team Meeting with roleplayers like IT Crimes and GlobeSpace Security to inform and update the East Facilitators on the latest security measures and developments.

Mr Shaun van Coller and Mr Imker Hoogenhout of IT Crimes gave the facilitators an indepth look into the IT Crimes field and technology. We were informed on all aspect re the security of Khanya LABs and equipment as implemented by IT Crimes.

Mrs Glynn Mashonga of GlobeSpace Security presented to the facilitators the latest technology that is piloted in some EMDC's. It is about infrared monitoring of a school' electronic equipment against any possible theft. The technology is based on an sms via the cellphone to community members who will be contacted when a burglary is in progress at a school.

We are looking forward to the implementation of the latest security measures at all our schools within Khanya and that the school' electronic equipment will be protected to such an extend that learners can continue with their curriculum.

Albie

Khanyans @ Villa Via Hotel on Planning to Deliver : Deliver as Planned

2009-06-22T15:12:00.000-07:00

Almost all Khanyans were present @ the Villa Via Hotel in Gordon's Bay to share in the Khanya vision and mission. Wendy Adams and Clinton Walker opened the session and setting the pace of the morning and afternoon sessions.

Mr Kobus van Wyk started to deliver his speech and mention some of the past mistakes, but that we should not replicate the errors of the past. One new development in the technological area is the EIAWB - and Kobus elaborated on the board and its potential inside the classroom. He also said that we should within Khanya consider our ways forward from now on. Kobus also touch on the issue of Code of Conduct and in short it were about Working hours + official Leave + Meetings + Communication (sms', e-mails, blogging, reports) + Professional development. The concepts of Effectiveness and Efficiency were also explained within the productivity sphere. Kobus concluded that Khanya is standing on the threshold of very, very exciting times and busy with groundbreaking work on the African continent and that Khanya can even move further afield.

Clinton Walker with his S M A R T approach, (Specifics + Measurables + Attainable + Realistic + Timely) had a fruitful delivery on why ? where ? when ? what ? and all the other w's to be smart in your planning. He concluded with a declaration : Planning to Deliver : Deliver as Planned and if there is no shape up, you should ship out - and so we eventually all left Harbour Island, not in our ship, but in our vechicles to set our mind to shape up in our seats !!

Wendy Adams spend some value time on our planning and how to improve the curriculum delivery. She opened the floor for some fruitful contributions from the facilitators. Various models were put on the table or was it on the screen - the planning template will be developed as a skeleton with the meat to be added by all roleplayers! She was not only the organiser of the event @ the Villa Via Hotel, but the Mama Mia that ensured that we had a ***** meal in a very nice setting. Thanks.

Albie

K-ZONE @ RUSTHOF PS - Another success story !!

2009-06-18T22:46:00.000-07:00

ALL the Foundation Phase Educators did a workshop during the afternoon on the newly installed K-ZONE. We all first watch a motivation PPSS to get our "body, minds and spirit" in the right mode - especially as we are heading for the end of the term.

I did a short introduction to K-ZONE with a PPSS, and then the educators clicked and navigated through the K-ZONE software. They were very impressed with the software and expressed their gratitude for the quality of the program. They even print screen some of the activities for use in the classroom !!.

The RPS SNA / LNA Mrs Tohira Slamdien assisted me during the training with basic navigation skills. We printed some pages to look at the activities and pictures included in the software. Another workshop done with appreciation for the work and efforts done by the LSTM Team and their skills !! Thanksxx.

Albie

Is this the Pits?

2009-06-18T12:43:00.000-07:00

Mr Abraham Pitso of Bulumko Secondary School was fiddling around with his laptop getting ready to motivate his learners to do well the second Physical Science Paper (Chemistry). Question papers were downloaded and displayed so that learners could engage with the type of questions they could face during their examination. He was putting emphasis on Redox reactions which occur in different types of cells. Here he is using different software such as Word, Smart and Croc clips to explain electrochemical cells.

Exploring K-Z despite Zero Temperatures @ DRGJJPS

2009-06-14T04:08:00.000-07:00

Exploring K ZONE on a very cold day at Dr GJ JOUBERT PS, was a timing factor, but despite the rainy cold typical WC weather, the handgloves were removed and the fingers got warm after a while - working through the K-Zone software.

ALL the Foundation Phase Educators did attend the workshop, even the Deputy Principal and SNA, Mr Keith Meyer was there to see and explore. What started to be just a short introduction to K-ZONE, developed into a full ONE HOUR of exploring the 3x grades within K-ZONE. The educators clicked and navigated through the K-ZONE software. They were very impressed with the software and even delighted to know that a software was developed just for the Foundation Phase !!

After the official ending of the workshop, most of the FP Educators still navigated through the software. Even the LAN /SNA @ Dr GJ Joubert PS, Mr Keith Meyer worked throught the software while I left the LAB. The educators continued to explore the K-ZONE software to equipped themselves before they will bring the learners to the LAB next week.

Albie

My World !! Not 3, but 6 Facilitators in Our World !

2009-06-12T06:37:00.000-07:00

My World 3 - what a small world. On Friday 12/06/09, EMDC East Facilitators meet @ Isikhokelo PS Khayelitsha to add more activities to My World. Who welcomed us ? Barbara !!! She joined in the activities to enhance the content of My World 3.

Sipho printed the notes on how to use editor. Siki guided us through some vital procedures. She worked on the graphics and managed to get her birds, insects and butterflies to use their wings - motion !!! Sipho was on his knees begging her how she did it !! He got hold of his diary and wrote down the steps. Barbara also had her input on how to get the program working. Eventually, Steward and Nontobeko got their Editor working and said that they can't wait to create new activities. I eventually hugged Barbara and thanked her for the venue and eats !!

We will keep you up-to-date on My World 6.

We as the GET EMDC EAST Team will meet again to load and finilize the new screen activities.

Albie

PDFs and FFCs

2009-06-10T15:15:00.000-07:00

No I'm not swearing! Not today. I have mailed some links I think will be of use to fellow facilitators. I think I need to share it will everybody since we may have encountered this or maybe we will encounter this when we meet up with new laptop/PC owners. Many have either MSOffice 2003 or MSOffice 2007. The two don't necessarily talk to each other. Their file formats are different. In order for MS2003 to read MSOffice2007 documents (e.g. mark.docx) download and install an add-in program from http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?familyid=941b3470-3ae9-4aee-8f43-c6bb74cd1466&displaylang=en .

If you pdf documents like I do, then you can download and install an add-in program from http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=4d951911-3e7e-4ae6-b059-a2e79ed87041&displaylang=en. It only works for MSOffice2007. When you type a document and you do not want anybody to change it, then you can pdf it by clicking on File, Save As and choose the pdf option.

I must warn you that Microsoft may check the legality of your software while you are visiting their site. Do this at your own risk.

Virtual Literacy at Nomsa Mapongwana

2009-06-10T14:58:00.000-07:00

I had the privilege of visiting Nomsa to assist educators with the use of the Virtual Server Software installed on our schools' servers. As we learnt a few things together on the technical side, I took some time to walk around the room to chat to some learners and take some pictures. I was impressed with the ease with with the educator handled the class and the learners eagerly doing the Literacy Module on CAMI. Even I could assist them where it was necessary. Now they can teach me isiXhosa. I am an MTN (more time needed) learner with an atrocious pronounciation of isiXhosa words.

Exploring zones in K ZONE @ MACASSAR PS

2009-06-09T13:27:00.000-07:00

ALL the Foundation Phase Educators did a workshop during the examination time on the newly installed K-ZONE.

What started to be just a short introduction to K-ZONE, developed into a full 45 minutes++ of exploring the zones within K-ZONE. The educators clicked and navigated through the K-ZONE software. They were very impressed with the software and even complimented Khanya and the LTSM Team on developing such a wonderful program for the FP.

After the official ending of the workshop, most of the FP Educators still navigated through the software. I eventually left while they continue to explore the K-ZONE software. That is something noteworthy – educators willing to walk that extra “zone” or two during the exam time and in the afternoon to equipped themselves with general computer and software skills !!

Training at Faure

2009-06-09T04:23:00.000-07:00

After a period of almost one year, Faure educators sucessfully completed their training sessions. The staff of Faure Youth school was very committed. Every Tuesday educators travelled from their various schools to Faure Khanya laboratory to receive training. They sacrifice their time, money and energy to fullfill their goal. How effective and worthwhile was this training to you?

Please leave your comments?

Sylvain Goliath

K-ZONE Training @ UMNQOPHISO PS in Nomzamo / Lwandle Strand

2009-06-04T09:48:00.000-07:00

On Thursday 4/6/09 Umnqophiso PS was ready to explore K-ZONE and the MS Word Guidelines in a workshop. The FP Educators were all present and WORD was explained and practised and then we moved on to the K-ZONE for Grade 1 - 3.

The FP Educators were showed the practical layout and application of the software. The easy layout was enjoyed and the practical hands-on click and go was worthwhile. The program will be used @ Umnqophiso PS to ensure that perceptual, reading and eventually Maths skills are strenghten with the UQPS Learners by applying the K-ZONE software.

Albie

Virtual Server Training done by Cyberspace Denric Cloud

2009-06-04T09:25:00.001-07:00

Virtual Server Training done by Cyberspace Denric Cloud

2009-06-04T08:55:00.000-07:00

Denric Blaauw came to Sizimisele Sec to give EMDC Est Team a Virtual Trip into Cyberspace. He got the servers (2x of them on line) and started the training.

Albie got only his real head visible while his virtual body was gone. Denric found the total package eventually and continue with training. After a while he went to the drawing board to do the "old" teaching style - using a koki pen on a normal plastic whiteboard. He draw and draw and draw lines to explain the concept of old vs new server. (I got lost but found my body again). Mark sat back and critically evaluate the whole virtual server concept trip into Milkyway Cyberspace @ Sutherland's Telescope III. Bonny decided to take notes to ensure we will be well equipped with written scribbled notes into pdf format. As usual, Sylvain had his expertise SNA / LAN input - we need that !! Denric summarized the whole virtual server concept and it went into cyberspace - we all can do it now !

Albie Head and soul in ONE

Hopolang on the trot

2009-06-02T08:38:00.000-07:00

After weeks of having pre-progression, pre-whole school

evaluation visits and whole school

evaluation, educators still found time to smile during a Word training session today

. Colds, flu, exams and cold weather did not keep these dedicated teachers away. As the tired hands dragged the mouse devices and typing continued the occasional grunt or laughter brightened up the mood. It was just somebody making a "stupid" mistake or got something right for the first time.

Our crawling is slowly progressing into walking. Keep it up Hopolang!

UK Educators @ Somerset West Methodist PS and Danie Ackerman PS

2009-05-27T12:15:00.000-07:00

27x UK educators were assisting SWMPS and DAPS this week in the classrooms, in the LAB and with the EIAWB. They are from the Special Schools and Academic Trust from the United Kingdom and include the following schools: Studley Junior and High School, Mappleborough Green Primary School, Alcester Grammar School and St Mary’s Roman Catholic Primary School. At SWMPS and DAPS they were assisting learners on how to do research, but also how to do it with creative writing and thinking skills.

The topic was the Meerkat. The purpose was not just to collect information about the meerkat and its habitat, food, environment and other characteristics, but also about its future, growing up, facing trouble and dangers in their environment and equipping themselves with “skills”. These skills will be needed by the little meerkat when he / she is a grown up meerkat, as an adult, in an ever changing world and environment. This message was made applicable on the learners and their own environment.

The one lesson was further enhanced on the EIAWB together with a practical demonstration – a suitcase. What do you put in the suitcase to take with you when you are going on holiday ? But even more – what do you put in your “life suitcase” when you leave home / school one day ? The lesson was further explained and demonstrated on the EIAWB with the a group discussion amongst the learners – what will be in your suitcase one day. What do you put in the suitcase to take with when you go on holidays? But even more – what do you put in your “future life suitcase” ? (e.g. morals, values, ethics, ethos etc) when you leave home / school one day.

To be equipped and to be ready to be going out into the wide wild world out there waiting for you as a human and person, is more then just a lot of statistical data and information in your brain.

I would like to compliment the UK educators on a successful educational sharing session at the Helderberg Schools and on top of that they spend a whole week, supposed to be their summer holiday, at SA schools to enrich our learners. Thankxx.

Albie

Note: I am awaiting a more comprehensive report from the group of UK educators that will also be posted on the blog.

HELDERBERG = 10/10 with LAN 2 @ Rusthof LSEN by Mark C

2009-05-26T11:00:00.000-07:00

Mark Carolissen did an indepth LAN 2 Training Session at Rusthof LSEN School on Tuesday 26/5/09. From 5 different schools, 9 prospective SNA educators attended the session together with Mark as the presenter. All available technology was used to assist the newly trained SNA to apply their skills.

Great Mark, Thank you for your input. A well skilled SNA will ensure a network system that is functional and thus the learners are the ones who will eventually benefit due to a functional LAB - from server to workstation and internet connectivity.

Albie

OKLAHOMA PS + PERCEPTUAL = FfL

2009-05-20T08:17:00.000-07:00

Oklahoma PS in Macassar PS is using CAMI Perceptual in Grade 1 - 3. The other grades also use CAMI especially CAMI Maths. Mrs James brought her Gr 1 class to the LAB to reinforce perceptual skills. CAMI has been used @ OPS very effectively by Mrs James since 2008. She has worked through the program with great success. The learners are competent with the technology. The Tree Diagram also get used to find a specific activity e.g. 2.2.1.

Albie

Macassar SA + Netherlands + CAMI = Global Education !!!

2009-05-19T08:03:00.000-07:00

Students from the Netherlands Marlies Toet, Judith Nap and Maren van Hees are from Marnix Academy in Utrecht - Netherlands. For the past 5 months they are doing an internship @ MPS supporting the educators in the classes. They focus on class management and the social-emotional development of the learner.

The CAMI classlists are in a file for educators to get learner log in detail and is very neatly done by the SNA - Dexter Fischer. Further, Dexter and myself are busy training the educators how CAMI is "mathematical compiled", very easy to "Read" if you just got the basic "Perceptual" skills to do some "Diagnostic" tests.

Rubricate PPSS Notes , CAMI Notes and FfL Notes (i.e. Wendy Adams Guidelines) is also available for educators on common @ server. Mrs Stewart did CAMI Perceptual with Gr 2 class and together with Mrs Skippers and her own Gr 2, who also "explored" CAMI Perceptual today, was very impressed with the software.

Further training is envisaged for this term to get CAMI being fully utilized @ MPS.

Albie