A picture of concentration.

Personalised learning

Technology is a great tool to allow personalised learning for all learners. Every child can work at their own pace and at a level suited to their ability. It is particulary effective in supporting learners who require more intensive support.

The learner below is able to work  independently in the Computer Centre, whereas she needs constant support from her teacher in class. Her teacher reports that this learner is able to gain a huge sense of achievement  from successfully completing the IT numeracy activities on her own.

A week full of potential..

This week 393 numeracy lessons will take place in the ZSP Computer Centres, while educators in 42 classrooms will make use of alternative technology throughout the week in all subjects.

Happy learning!!

Lifelong learning

Meet Mr Dam, he is the caretaker at one of the ZSP Stage III schools. 

One of the Project's strategic objectives is that all educators will acquire a competent level of computer literacy. However all staff, teaching and non-teaching, are encouraged to attend the e-literacy training provided by the ZSP IT Facilitators. We have seen a huge interest from non teaching staff at all of the Stage III schools as the e-literacy training has started this term.   Mr Dam is one of the non teaching staff who has taken up the opportunity to develop his computing skills and he is enjoying every minute of it!

"When can WE use the computers?" (part 2)

Here are the remaining four Stage III computer centres in use by the educators and learners.

"When can WE use the computers?" (part 1)

Since the infrastructure has been completed at the Stage III schools, we have been told that the constant question from learners at all of the schools has been "When can we use the computers ?"

There were two weeks of initial teacher training at the start of this term to familiarise teachers with the new procedures and software. But as of Monday 24th....well see below!

The teacher training is continuing as both learners and teachers explore this new way of learning.

Stage III: And we're off....

During the school holidays last week, the "beginner training" was held for the Stage III schools. This training targeted educators who had little or no prior exposure to technology.

The aim of the training was primarily to banish any fears and to familiarise educators with some basic computer skills. Judging from the laughter and 'high fives' that were abounding during the sessions - I think it worked!!

Infrastructure evolution at the Stage III schools

Since the  Stage III launch, there have been extensive infrastructure changes at the schools as classrooms are transformed into Computer Centres, data and electrical cabling is laid (securely) and security features added. 

The pictures documenting the changes will be continually updated and available to view on the side bar of the blog over the coming months.

The staff and learners at the schools are delighted at the changes happening before their eyes. It is the responsibility of the ZSP Champion to keep all at the school fully up to date with the latest changes.



Committed, Contributive and Alert

The Computer Centre Assistant (CCA) is an essential part of the Zisukhanyo Schools Project. The CCA provides vital support to the educator during Computer Centre lessons, supports the  ZSP Facilitator during training and is often involved in the school's extra mural program. The CCA is the first line of technical support in the school.

The CCA is part of the school's staff and recruited from the local community. They are put through a training program, designed by ZSP staff, that equips them to provide a high quality of support to the schools.

Quotes from two Principals about their CCAs:
'Patient, helpful, resourceful, good time management and knowledgeable in his work."
"She goes an extra mile to support us."

The application process for CCAs for the Stage III schools is currently underway, with the 10th June being the closing date for applications.

Stage III Infrastructure: Taking shape

Since the Stage III launch in March, there has been rapid progress with the infrastructure. During the Easter and public holidays much work was completed at the schools.



There are more pictures for each school on the Stage III schools page 

Stage III: Meet the Champions

The first meeting of the Stage III Champions was kindly hosted by Buck Road Primary.
 

The new Champions were a little apprehensive about the responsibilities of their new role at school, but they were encouraged by  Farzaana Ebrahim, Buck Road's Champion. Farzaana explained how she has driven the Project at her school over the year. She was able to give many valuable insights and answer questions.

Farzaana explaining how the educational software is used in lessons.

The ZSP Team then explained how the infrastructure phase would progress at the Stage III schools over the next couple of months. We will be following this progress on the Blog.

The Champions were asked to keep their staff regularly updated on how the Project is progressing and form their ICT Committee. The first responsibility of the Champion is to organise the staff ICT evaluation ( click for info on ICT evaluation)

The Stage III Champions are:

Die Duine:  Gino Overmeyer

John Graham: Liz Coldrey

Lotus River: Gwen January

Mzamomhle: Rosie Khumalo-Lande

Portland: Suzette Klein

Stephen Road: Rochelle Jacobs

Westlake: Jody Dawson

Zeekoevlei: Wayne Samuels

Click here for more info on Stage II Champions

ZSP Stage III launch

MSED officials, ZSP partners, ZSP Team and Stage III school representatives all joined together last Thursday to launch ZSP Stage III.

Eugene Daniels (MSED Director) and Clinton Walker (Khanya) spoke about how the Project supports the objectives of WCED. Danny Gallagher and members of the ZSP Team provided details about the Project.

The Principals and champions of schools outlined their vision for the ZSP at their schools.

The Stage III schools are Die Duine, John Graham, Lotus River, Mzamomhle, Portland, Stephen Road, Westlake, Zeekoevlei.

ZSP Stage III - Preparing to Fly workshop

Thank you to Mr Moore & Sullivan Primary for hosting the event.