PUPILS at three Port Elizabeth schools have been given a boost to supplement the maths and science they are learning in their classrooms with the help of hi-tech, curriculum-aligned video lessons on desktop computers.
Sanlam has sponsored two desktop computers each for Sanctor, Woolhope and Gelvandale high schools to be used by Grade 10, 11 and 12 pupils.
The offline, technology-based maths and science support programme available on the computers – which pupils will be able to access in their free time – has been developed by the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University's (NMMU) Govan Mbeki Mathematics Development Unit (GMMDU) and the university's FirstRand Foundation (FRF) chair in maths education.
The three schools form part of 10 schools where the model has already been formally introduced in some classes as part of an FRF chair research project. It is available on laptops for teachers and tablets for pupils.
The introduction of the desktop model will enable even more pupils at the schools to benefit from the hi-tech teaching and learning resource, which is called TouchTutorTM.
"Sanlam's project will add value to some of the schools we already work with directly. There is still a need for this type of model in thousands of other schools," GMMDU head and FRF chair-holder Prof Werner Olivier said.
The desktop model, which was launched by GMMDU earlier this year to complement their existing laptop and tablet models, has already been introduced at a number of previously disadvantaged schools throughout the province.
"It strengthens what is taught in the classroom or, sadly, what is not taught." Olivier said a hi-tech approach, which included self-assessment and a glossary on Mxit, had been adopted for the teaching and learning package to meet the needs of 21st century "digital kids".
The model contains user-friendly material, allowing for pupils to help themselves. "We try to take the best in terms of what can be found on the internet and package it locally for access by our pupils."
GMMDU also uses the TouchTutorTM maths and science package in a Saturday incubator school programme, geared towards pupils with potential at previously disadvantaged schools in seven urban and rural areas of the Eastern Cape.
Gelvandale High School principal Deon O'Brien said the lessons were "tremendously beneficial".
"Most pupils are from the Helenvale area and do not have these resources made available to them. These lessons are easily accessible and they can do revision during class and after school hours," he said.
Woolhope High School deputy principal Rashard Jaram said: "We have CAT [Computer Applications Technology] at the school that is limited to CAT pupils only so with this maths and science support programme the other pupils will have access to a computer as well."
Sanlam development specialist Hugo Erasmus said GMMDU was doing "brilliant" work.
"It is an active way of trying to improve the lives of pupils. But it's not just up-skilling pupils, it's up-skilling potential employees at a later stage. Maths and science are critical for sustainable economic growth," Erasmus said. - Nicky Willemse and Chanice Koopman