The Future of Education

Arming a child with a decent education that’s relevant to today’s world is vital to the future of South Africa

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, 16 August 2018 – The fourth revolution relates to the speed of technological advances around the world and is characterised by an array of new technologies that fuse the physical, digital and biological worlds; fundamentally impacting all industries and challenging ideas.^[i] As new advances are made, new employment opportunities are uncovered. But, if children aren’t educated in a way that’s geared towards technology, they will likely miss out on the chance to get a future-facing job.

Technology, specifically electronic devices such as tablets, open a whole new world to learners as it gives them access to interactive learning solutions and capabilities that aren’t found in books. Children, if they are working on a module which has various levels, can move through the levels at the speed at which they are comfortable, be it faster or slower than their peers.

Justin Hume, Chief Marketing Office for Samsung South Africa, says, “Educating children in a way that ensures their space in the future working environment is critical to enabling the growth and stability of our country. Samsung’s Smart Classroom and Digital Village initiatives are making an enormous difference in the lives of children who wouldn’t normally have access to learning about and through technology.”

The Smart Classroom, such as the one at Michael Zulu Primary School in Tsakane, Brakpan, is a fully integrated, real-time digital classroom that creates a simple, interactive and engaging environment for students and teachers. Educators and students share various, dynamic lesson materials and apply innovative technology to the learning experience through the screen sharing and S-Pen digital handwriting features. Samsung’s goal is for the Smart Classroom experience to enhance interactive learning, collaborative teaching with shared best practices and support the development of new teaching methods based on the students’ needs.

The smart school solution has three components. The first is an interactive management solution which allows teachers, through an LCD e-board, to deliver content to students, share screens, check student progress, conduct group activities and run tests or instant polls. The second is a learning management system that provides educational material and content, such as e-textbooks and learning apps. The third is a student information system which helps teachers track an individual pupil’s progress, attendance and other information. Both teachers and learners are provided with tablets to carry out the programme.

The other educational initiative, Digital Villages – such as the Lesego Digital Village at Ratlou in North West – incorporates clinics and administration areas that are solar powered, in areas that have no access to electricity or technology. Digital Villages provide comprehensive support to improve health standards, bolster education opportunities and increase the potential for people to lead economically independent lives.

“Technology is a powerful tool for social change, especially when it comes to education. The desired end-result is to introduce technology and make e-learning accessible to learners from previously disadvantaged communities,” concludes Hume.

The key to creating a sound and sustainable future for South Africa and the rest of the world is to ensure children are given the very best opportunities to learn about the world around them, in a way that is relevant to today’s technology and pace.

^{[i] https://www.weforum.org/about/the-fourth-industrial-revolution-by-klaus-schwab}