Teacher Education and Mobile

Learning Technologies

SchoolNet South Africa

GDE - 8th February 2016

History of SchoolNet

• Who are we and

• where do we come from?

Learning Technologies

• Some SchoolNet Experiences of models

Current Developments

• South African and International frameworks

Overview of presentation

beginnings….

• 19 years experience of using technology in education

Non-Profit NGO

• “Creating communities of teachers and learners using ICT to enhance teaching and learning”

SchoolNet Mission

• SchoolNet grew from volunteer provincial teacher organisations

Networking teachers

believes in ………….

• the most effective way of changing existing pedagogies

Innovative technologies

• Creativity and Innovation - Critical Thinking and Problem Solving - Communication and Collaboration

21st Century learning

• Principals, SMTs, teachers and district officials own the process of systemic change using technology effectively – through change leadership and peer support

Sustainability

• Not allowing technology to dictate but rather following teachers’ needs

Focusing on teaching and learning

SchoolNet experiences - of mobile learning

ICT4RED – 6 500 learners, 350 teachers, 16 officials

Learning Gains through Play in the Primary – 2 provinces

SchoolNet’s A Journey with Tablets

Intel Teach: Tablets in the Classroom 2015

Individual school projects – Touchable Earth

CSIR – Meraka Cofimvaba, Eastern Cape

Arthur Mfebelearners carry their

tablets to and from school

Learning Gains through Play – positive findings

“If children do not learn the way we teach, then we must teach the way they learn” Ignacio Estrada

A one day course

teachers explore teaching strategies forstudent centred tablet-based learning,

tablet management techniques in theclassroom.

collaborative models for teaching andlearning in a mobile environment.

Introduction to Tablets in the Classroom 2015

Individual School Projects

‘Using computers to learn - NOT learning to use computers’

Inqolayolwazi Primary KZN

Lakeview Full Service Primary – Soweto

Peermont schools project

Elements of Effective Models

1. Engaging course materials 2. Empathetic and competent tutors

SACE accredited

Elements of Effective Models

3. Change Leadership including district officials

4. Sustainability – champions and communities of practice, peer support

Policy revisions 2016 – including TPACK and SAMR

UNESCO Teacher Competency Framework

Professional Development Guidelines for learning with Technologies 2016

In Summary

• Teaching and learning are top considerations – not hard or software

• Ensure balance between spending on technology and on training

• Innovative technologies force a change in pedagogies

• Give teachers a new zest for teaching

• Main focus is learner attainment – digital skills are just a by product

• Learners can be fast-tracked, using technologies effectively

• Promoting learner-centredness – leading to learner-driven activities

• Ensure sustainability by empowering champions and PLCs

Thank you

Janet Thomson

@JanetThomson and @SchoolNetSA

Janet Thomson

Janet@schoolnet.org.za

www.schoolnet.org.za