17 Jun 2019

The 21st century learning environment emphasises the need to shift from the traditional teaching strategy to a more learner centred and engaging method. The change in gear is necessitated by the quest to be at par with the technologically advanced global society. Therefore, the role played by Information Communications Technology (ICT) cannot not underestimated.

Consequently, changes in the education system brought about by the technological advancement are likely to overwhelm a teacher equipped with traditional teaching methods, if they are not equipped with the relevant ICT skills. The development calls on the education system, as it modernise its curriculum to fit the 21st century society, to cater for the teacher to be at par with the changes.

Education has also proved without any doubt, to be the foundation to any life endeavor. Any failure in life is attached to it.

Without a proper education, the nation’s building blocks towards a sustainable future are likely to crumble. Through education, one is empowered with knowledge which will ultimately transform to power. Therefore, for one to gain that power, there is a need to be empowered with knowledge at a young age.

It is also without doubt that ICT is becoming a vital and an enabling tool that can no longer be ignored in the education system. It has drastically impacted on the lifestyle as it has changed the way people think, interact and live. Therefore, the use of ICT in schools is mandatory.

Currently, in the local schools, ICT is mostly used as a tool to assist in producing teaching materials, but the global village dictates for the new technology to be fully incorporated in the dispensation of knowledge to the learners.

The use of ICT in schools will provide teachers with an opportunity to transform their practices and ultimately provide the learner with improved educational content through more effective teaching and learning methods.

In its quest, to transform the traditional way of teaching, where a teacher is the sole provider of knowledge to the pupils, the government of Botswana through the Ministry of Basic Education is steadily incorporating the use of ICT, to partner with the tried and trusted traditional teaching aid in the form of a teacher.

With support of good Samaritans, the classroom environment which used to be equipped with a chalk board and textbooks, is gradually transforming through the acquisition of advanced ICT teaching aids. It is also worth noting that partners in the development are targeting schools in rural settlement where the use of ICT is limited.

Mmaphashalala Primary School in the central district is one of the few learning centres in the country to be equipped with ICT equipment. Recently, Orange Botswana, a cellular network company through Orange Foundation, donated ICT equipment to the school.

Receiving the donation on behalf of the school, Assistant Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Ms Botlogile Tshireletso said ongoing technological changes in the education system are aligned to the revolving and innovative landscape of the 21st century.

As such, Ms Tshireletso appreciated support from Orange Botswana through Orange Foundation for having seen it fit to support the education fraternity in its endeavor to be at par with global technological changes.

Ms Tshireletso said government was focused at turning around the curriculum and equipping pupils with education that was compatible with the modern world through the use of Information Technology.

The company donated among others 50 digital tablets, two raspberry servers with built in Wi-Fi, projector and projector screen.  Ms Tshireletso said the donation will assist unlock young minds into limitless possibilities and provide access to equal opportunities.

Ms Tshireletso who is also Member of Parliament for Mahalapye West noted the importance of creating a conducive learning environment for pupils. Therefore the donation of ICT equipment to enhance learning will encourage and motivate the children of Mmaphashalala to focus and study hard.

Ms Tshireletso said the ICT equipment will develop and broaden the minds of the pupils.. She noted that the school is located in a rural settlement where learners  have limited access to the use of ICT.

Ms Tshireletso said, ‘It is important to create a conducive learning environment to pupils, especially those in rural communities as they are not exposed to adequate and modern facilities like those in modern areas’. She said government is committed to bridging the urban-rural divide through provision of the right infrastructure.

“We believe that through a good education with the right facilities that we can fulfil our commitment of providing quality education in Botswana,” she said.

The project, she noted, is an initiative of Orange Botswana in collaboration with the Ministry of Basic Education and the Ministry of Local Government to enhance ICT literacy amongst teachers and students, improve results in key subjects like Science and Mathematics and ultimately change the lives of the communities for the better.

Ms Tshireletso said the donated ICT equipment constitutes a window of hope and empowers the learners. “Research has shown that children are fascinated by the use of ICT in learning and where there is fascination, there are high prospects of good results.”

To supplement efforts made by Orange Botswana, Ms Tshireletso said the Ministry of Transport and Communications in conjunction with that of Basic Education are ensuring that all primary schools are internet ready to accommodate the expectations of the 21st century learning environment. 

Orange Botswana Director of Legal and Corporate Affairs, Ms Lepata Mafa-Nthomola said the cellular network provider is committed to adding value to the education system at grass roots level by bringing in the use of ICT equipment. “We are here to witness a journey taken by Orange Botswana to bring education through the use of ICT,” said Ms Mafa-Nthomola.

Ms Mafa-Nthomola said Mmaphashalala Primary School is the seventh primary school to benefit from the programme, adding that the programme is aimed at addressing modern challenges in education with the endeavor to enhance learners’ appetite in consuming their learning and ultimately improve results. “As a business entity in ICT, we have seen it fit to help with the use of modern technology to improve access to quality education by targeting schools in rural settlement where access to ICT is limited.”

“ICT offers a platform to easily access educational material. Without it the education system suffers and donated equipment is loaded with content which is relevant to the syllabus,” said Ms Mafa-Nthomola.

She said in order for students to fully benefit, they must be taught in an entertaining and equally exciting way. “Students and teachers have been offered training to fully utilise the ICT material, she said, adding “It is a long term programme aimed at improving the level of education, it will be carried out over a period of five years.” 

To date, Ms Mafa-Nthomola said Orange Botswana through Orange Foundation has donated 350 tablets, 98 servers and seven projectors valued over P550 000. “Over P90 000 has been used to develop content loaded in the gadgets.” She added that 120 teachers have been trained and the programme will benefit more than 2000 students across the country.

Meanwhile Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Basic Education, Ms Bridget John appreciated the support given by Orange Foundation meant to ease their journey in improving and modernising education.  She said the donation of ICT equipment offers a platform in a globalised education system.

“Our journey in developing education is reliant on technology and therefore such a great donation from a partner like Orange Foundation is much appreciated.” We have given ourselves a period of five years to produce a well-rounded and globally competitive learner,” said Ms John.

Speaking on behalf of Mahalapye Sub-district, Chairperson of the Health and Education subcommittee, Councillor Nametso Koma said the use of ICT in education will not only enhance the learning environment, but it will also prepare the young generation to effectively compete and withstand future challenges of a global world.

Currently, Mr Koma said, government is spending a lot of money on textbooks, which were still inadequate and therefore accessing the curriculum material as soft copies through the use of ICT is cost effective. ENDS