There should be a special concession for schools and libraries logging onto the information superhighway, writes Parthy Chetty
Information and communication technologies (ICT) are having an increasing influence on education, among other systems. In order for all learners and educators to benefit from the impact of ICT, it is necessary to create an affordable level of connectivity, referred to as an E-Rate, or educational rate. This is a cheaper service offered to schools and libraries with the idea of promoting connectivity, making information on the Internet more accessible even to those who are disadvantaged.
The value of connectivity
Connecting schools via the Internet has various advantages in the information age we live in. There are growing numbers of schools, educators and learners that are proving that connecting classrooms to the rapidly expanding array of high quality online resources can result in long lasting educational benefits. Connectivity, unlike other forms of educational technology, improves all aspects of the educational process, like administration, curriculum development, sports activities and parent-teacher-pupil inter-activity.
Information on the Internet also tends to be far more current than even the most well-endowed libraries or the latest textbooks. The information updates on the Internet are much cheaper than the printed form, and can therefore be updated as often as required. Information can also change its form and focus as a result of on-line collaboration and access to the latest research results and thinking.
Digital resources break down the geographical divides that usually prevent learners, educators and parents from accessing the information from a physical building. Learners who are at a disadvantage can confidently access the same information as learners in more privileged circumstances. This assists in narrowing the divide between areas that can physically access these resources and areas that physically cannot.
Another benefit of getting connected is that information is no longer a one-way, inbound process. Educators and learners work with “living” educational projects by gathering information from sources like scientists. It thus enables educators to become more innovative and rigorous in their instruction. This is a result of professional assistance and quality information being available to educators. They will no longer be tied to the infrequent training workshop or the outdated text from printed textbooks.
Educator training
A major challenge currently is to provide much-needed training to educators currently employed. Especially in our fast changing education system, course material can easily become outdated and irrelevant, which can prove costly. We can address these problems by encouraging Internet connectivity. There is no cost of reprinting resources, guidelines and textbooks, as they can all be made available online. The content tends to be very recent, as there is no cost incurred to update material.
E-Rate provides affordable Internet access that also facilitates distance-learning and provides educational opportunities to children or older learners across the country.
The connectivity will enable inservice training of educators to be affordable and accessible to educators and facilitators. Up to date course material can be designed for the changing environment that many educators struggle to keep up with.
Centres of excitement
Schools that are wired become exciting centres of learning. Here are some of the dynamic learning opportunities the Internet can create:
Parents can play a more active role because they have easier access to information about their children’s education. Learners can then enjoy educational support from their parents in the home environment.
Educators have new resources to develop innovative, stimulating lesson plans. This is a result of having current information from various sources and from various professionals, like scientists. Currently, educators are restricted to information from static books from a library, which cannot afford to update its resources as often as it is done on the Internet.
Remote access means that educators, learners and parents are not restricted by time and geographic location. This could also assist in running the administration of a school efficiently as district offices can now access vital records quickly and accurately. It would also facilitate the ordering of supplies like textbooks much faster than current paper-based methods.
Learners can participate in projects all geographical divides, whether national or international. In South Africa, we have such a diversity of cultures that it is extremely difficult to overcome them with conventional methods. However, Internet connectivity allows a diffused environment that gently allows barriers to be broken down.
Productivity can be increased through improved communication. A lack of communication often leads to uncertainty and a lack of confidence. At this time of transformation in our system to outcomes-based education, many educators are experiencing these problems. By connecting these educators to regular net meetings and creating access to unlimited resources on the Internet, we could alleviate these problems drastically.
To comment or make a contribution to Edutech Puisano, please contact Parthy Chetty at:
The Centre for Educational Technology & Distance Education, Private Bag X239, Pretoria, 0001
Tel: (012) 322 6625
Fax: (012) 322 1862
e-mail: — [email protected]
Website: http://education.pwv.gov.za/teli2
— The Teacher/Mail & Guardian, February, 2001.