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Portable technology said to provide better learning environment

11th July 2014

By: Zandile Mavuso

Creamer Media Senior Deputy Editor: Features

  

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In the quest to promote learner-driven systems to ensure a better learning outcome, learning institute Sangari South Africa’s portable iBox solution provides an interactive teaching and learning environment for all types of schools.

“While most South African teachers are knowledgeable in the theory, in many cases, this is not being extended to the classroom. “What constitutes effective teaching strategies is changing while costs are rising and resources are being stretched, which often pushes teachers into teaching subjects for which they are not properly equipped. “In addressing this challenge, there has been a move from teacher-centric to learner-centric education,” says Sangari South Africa CEO Bez Sangari.

The iBox is the size of a small suitcase and incorporates a projector, laptop and built-in speakers. When used with the response clickers and mobile interactive whiteboard, the classroom transforms into a multimedia information and communication technology solution for effective and efficient teaching and learning.
The clicker feature provides immediate feedback and is used to assess the students’ understanding of the lesson. Information from the clicker enables the teacher to identify gaps in learning to revise the lesson accordingly.

Driven by software designed to cover the national curriculum, the iBox projects class notes and other important information about the topics onto a classroom screen. Using a handheld tablet and electronic pen, teachers are able to include additional notes and illustrations which are instantly highlighted for the learners to see.

Sangari notes that, as a result, the system triggers greater learner involvement and meaningful classroom interaction.


“Overall, the iBox has enabled teachers to be better prepared. The clickers used by learners to answer questions take an enormous load off teachers having to mark test papers after hours and keep teachers in touch with each learner’s progress,” says Gauteng Department of Education District 8, Sedibeng, coordinator Gauta Legoete.

He highlights that, since his district began using the iBox in its schools, the pass rate increased to 68% in 2013 from 28% in 2009. This is due to the fact that teachers are able to prepare lessons more easily through the iBox as they can use PowerPoint to present lessons.

“Teachers’ [being able to] write on the wireless handheld tablet enables colourful notes to be projected on the screen, emphasising sections during a lesson. “Overall, the iBox has enabled teachers to be better prepared. The iBox requires no special installation requirements and is simply ‘plug and play’. “Also, lessons can be preloaded on the iBox and updates can be added when they become available, while additional subjects can also be included in the same iBox,” Sangari points out.

He notes that, given the boost to learning that is provided by the iBox, about 1 000 schools nationwide, such as Edenglen High School, Sandringham High School, Langlaagte High School, Clapman High School and West Ridge High School, are currently using the iBox in their schools.

“The iBox can be stored in a safe place and, because it is portable, can be used in almost any environment where the teacher wants to conduct the lesson,” concludes Sangari.

Edited by Martin Zhuwakinyu
Creamer Media Senior Deputy Editor

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