Pietermaritzburg School Discovers How the Galaxy Tab A Can Transform Education in South Africa

St Charles College innovation transcends the digital barrier in high school education

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, 03 June 2019 – St Charles College, a pioneering learning institution in Pietermaritzburg has been researching the responsible use of technology in education for over 13 years. Now, after trialling the Samsung Galaxy Tab A in its classrooms, it has proven the case for schools successfully migrating to digital learning.

“We became excited when testing the Galaxy Tab A with the S pen device, as we found that it enhanced all the learning elements we wanted to preserve in a move towards a digital environment. We discovered that the device had solved some of the significant barriers to a paperless learning space and contacted Samsung to discuss future collaborations. We are happy to partner with Samsung to share our discoveries with those who understand the importance of making education personal and engaging,” says Allen van Blerk, Principal of St Charles College.

The school has tested the Galaxy Tab A on groups across all grades in the Senior School. The learners showed immediate enthusiasm with the S Pen cited as replicating the feel and ease of writing with a pencil. Principal van Blerk feels that the Tab A split screen enables schools to move effectively towards electronic textbooks, as a learner can scroll through a worksheet or textbook on the top half of the screen and write effortlessly on the lower half of the screen. He feels that the power of this feature has been underestimated but has become an essential solution for digital migration. Additionally, the simple connection of the devices to the teacher’s tablet means that shared information becomes personal for each learner.

“As a human-centred company we are committed to technology that makes a difference. When we place pioneering innovation in the hands of learners we take another step closer to positioning South Africa at the forefront of the 4th Industrial Revolution and that is truly inspiring, “says Hlubi Shivanda, Director of Business Innovation Group and Corporate Affairs at Samsung South Africa.

St Charles College plans to move 500 Grade 8 to Grade 12 boys to the Galaxy Tab A with S Pens in January, 2020. The connection platforms are currently being tested as the school prepares for the practicality of swopping a bag full of books, files, text books and stationery for a single tablet.

“The idea is to make the move to digital so seamless that it will be the obvious choice. It’s a quiet revolution and we’re proud to partner with Samsung on what will be a game changer in education,” concludes van Blerk.