Rethabile Pitso
THE Vodacom Lesotho Foundation, on Thursday, launched a pilot programme of its iSchool initiative in Maseru.
iSchool is a tablet-based and multi-media e-learning package which enables primary school teachers and students access to educational technology and classroom practices. The brain child of British tech entrepreneur Mark Bennett, the facility teaches users basic numeracy and literacy skills on a low-cost low-power tablet which can be charged off solar. The initiative was first launched in 2013 in Zambia and has since been introduced in other African countries.
The pilot programme will be undertaken in five primary schools in four districts, which include Roma and Hoohlo primary schools in Maseru District, Nkokana in Thaba Tseka, Khanyane in Leribe district and Moyeni in Quthing District.
According to VCL Acting Managing Director, Johnny Dos Santos, the initiative was spurred by the need to harness the power of technology to create a knowledge generation.
“iSchool has taken advantage of the fact that we have reached a unique point in history. For the first time ever, we have a powerful computer, the tablet, that is both affordable and suitable for taking to rural areas, with no further infrastructure needed: whether the classroom is a traditional one or under a cherry tree,” said Mr Dos Santos.
“Vodacom are proud to be able to bring iSchool to Lesotho and we look forward to embarking on this project and to track the positive developments that this new method of learning will bring to our children. We thank our partners, more importantly, the Ministry of Education who have identified the schools that will pilot these tablets for use in grade four classrooms, as a strategic move to align with the newly-introduced integrated curriculum at that level.”
In her remarks, Education and Training Minister Mahali Phamotse lauded the foundation for its commitment towards developing the education sector through technology. She said the initiative coincided with the ministry’s introduction of a new integrated primary curriculum which is meant to respond to changing educational needs.
“As we are now living in a technological world, the new integrated curriculum links perfectly with the utilisation of iSchool tablets in schools,” said Dr Phamotse.
“One can proudly say ‘mission has been accomplished’ because these tablets are an answer to the pedagogy envisaged in the Curriculum and Assessment Policy which we started implementing in 2012.”
She also implored the teachers to use the tablets as reference materials since some of the activities go beyond what the syllabus prescribes for the grade four level.
“Teachers are also advised to ensure that where some activities or exercises seem to be very relevant but have Zambian examples, which may be strange to learners, they should use appropriate examples,” Dr Phamotse added.
“Principals and teachers with the support of the ministry and Vodacom should monitor the process and make sure that parents understand the utilisation of tablets in schools.”