MyPE

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New Brighton Teacher Training Centre to make learning easier for PE community

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Vodacom, in partnership with the Department of Basic Education, unveiled the Algoa College Teacher Training Centre in New Brighton, Port Elizabeth today. The centre is one of Vodacom’s new information and technology (ICT) teacher centres aimed at improving technology and Internet access to communities.

The goal is to contribute to the transformation of teaching and learning through the use of technology and sees the expansion of the nine Vodacom ICT centres to forty, which are located across the country.

Through its Mobile Education Programme, Vodacom and the Department of Basic Education have not only established 40 ICT teacher centres, but have also equipped and connected a total of 893 schools country wide, providing them with ICT equipment and teacher training.

Teachers in Port Elizabeth will be trained on the integration of ICT in the classroom. The ICT centres are fitted with the latest ICT hardware and software, including interactive white boards, internet connectivity and access to a dedicated teacher’s portal (www.digitalclassroom.co.za). The programme seeks to improve learner performance in mathematics and science. It also provides a platform for creating a community of teachers who can share ideas and resources.

Vodacom Chief Officer: Corporate Affairs and Chairman of the Vodacom Foundation, Maya Makanjee says: “At Vodacom, education is a key focus and we believe that our technology can have a significant impact on the quality of education and resources in our schools. This initiative not only levels the playing field for previously disadvantaged schools that often do not have the same quality of teaching material that urban schools have, it also ensures that teachers, schools, learners and communities have access to ICT and Internet services. This is exciting for us because it echoes our commitment to ensuring that Vodacom, through the Vodacom Foundation, puts the power of the internet into people’s hands.”

MEC, Monde Sanqu says: “In the quest to improve teacher development through the provision of systematized initiatives and programmes in Teacher Centres, we acknowledge and appreciate the willingness and involvement of Vodacom in strengthening 40 centres. We also welcome the announcement of expansion to 60 Teacher Centres by the end of the 2014/2015 financial year. This initiative will impact positively in the integration of ICT in teaching and learning in the province.”

The centre has been fully equipped with a computer room housing 30 laptops, an interactive whiteboard, a data projector, a printer, educational aids, internet connectivity and a training facility. The community will also have access to the centre and will be able to use the internet and make use of the e-learning content.

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Alan Straton

Chief Cook, Bottle Washer and Broom Mechanic at MyPE
Passionate about Port Elizabeth and definitely NOT packing for Perth. Alan's ethos is epitomised in the words of Nelson Mandela; "I have fought against white domination and I have fought against black domination. I have cherished the idea of a democratic and free society. If need be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die." See more articles by Alan.