African EduWeek.
However, the key to unlocking this is harnessing the intellectual potential of young people in schools, Further Education and Training (FET) colleges and universities.
They will be the driving force behind the economy in the next decade and beyond, the future leaders of business and the nation, and it is important that they are challenged and given the provisions to fulfil their potential.
SABC Education African EduWeek 2014 combines an exhibition featuring 85 of the world’s leading -education companies, free-to-attend technical workshops and an expert-led two day conference, all taking place at the Sandton Convention Centre on July 10 to 11.
African EduWeek is not simply an exhibition or conference, it is also a platform for change and a unique opportunity for the key stake-holders in the education community to come together and share the -latest industry knowledge and developments.
The free-to-attend EduWeek Expo is the only one of its kind taking place in South Africa in 2014. Split into six distinct areas — basic education, higher education, technology, inclusive education, publishing and stationery — visitors can test and compare the latest products, solutions and services from the leading suppliers to the education sector.
Basic education
Developing and -producing educated students and graduates from universities- and colleges- across South Africa begins with basic -education. Delivering high quality basic education in an environment created to enhance learning will ensure all -students are given the platform to succeed beyond their schooling. At African EduWeek, basic -education exhibitors will include Education Learning Relations Council, Totem Bags, Libwin and Eduloan.
Higher education
The number of students passing matric and advancing into higher education is increasing each year, as a result, highly educated, skilled and motivated graduates are advancing from South African universities and into employment.
It is crucial for universities and -colleges to provide high quality education and prepare students for their lives after graduation.
The recent developments in modern- technology for higher educatio-n are staggering, companies such as EduWeek Diamond Sponsor Intel Education and Edit Microsystems have taken inter-active learning to new levels with their innovative products and software. In addition, EduLoan, Umalusi, Sage PASTEL and Regene-sys Management will take part in African EduWeek 2014.
Technology
Technology is the largest sector represented- at African EduWeek. This is no great surprise as the effective implementation of education technology and digital learning resources will have the greatest influence on the development of education in Africa in the next decade.
The potential for technology to enhance the learning experience of students of all ages, abilities and background is enormous. The greatest barriers faced by institutions of all type and size are choosing the -correct technologies to address their specific needs and the effective implementation and maintenance of their chosen hardware and software after installation.
At African EduWeek visitors will meet some of the world’s foremost educational technology companies including Intel Education, Samsung, Edit Microsystems, Eduboard, FESTO, Parrot Products and more. The expo is designed so visitors can test and compare the latest edu-cation technologies side by side, as well as get advice direct from manu-facturers.
Inclusive education
For the first time Inclusive education features as a standalone sector at African EduWeek, reflecting the increasing significance and attention paid to addressing the needs of students with learning difficulties and disabilities.
Some of the leading providers of learning resources and technology specifically designed to remove these barriers to quality education will be showcased at African Edu-Week, including interactive whiteboards and tablets, braille keyboards and voice activated software from Sensory Solutions and Edit Micro-systems.
Publishing
Publishing remains the cornerstone of education as students from the early stages of basic education to the final stages of higher require high quality learning resources. At African EduWeek visitors can meet domestic suppliers including Pearson and Macmillian, as well as international education publishers Cambridge University Press and Raintree Publishing, to see the latest publications and textbooks, plus their e-book and e-learning resources.
The transition of publishing into the digital era, coupled with the increasing availability and affordability of mobile and tablet technology, could in time provide a genuine solution to the shortage of textbooks in South African schools.
Stationery
Stationery is a fundamental component of every learning institution for both students and staff. It is therefore vital to have reliable and cost effective suppliers with high quality products that cater for the specific requirements of individual institutions. Leading international suppliers including BIC, Bantex, Flip File and Faber Castell are exhibiting at African EduWeek, as well as South African based Statesman Stationery.
SABC Education African EduWeek is simply the must-attend event in South Africa for education professionals of all backgrounds. If you have attended African EduWeek in the past, we encourage you to see our 2014 event as the changes from 2013 have been significant.
If you have not attended the event in the past please take this opportunity to see the latest innovations in the education sector, increase your knowledge and take home practical skills that can be implemented directly into your classroom.
Register online for your free event ticket a www.educationweek.co.za.
This article has been paid for the Mail & Guardian advertisers. Content has been supplied and signed off by the organisers of African EduWeek.