‘Enabling teachers to teach in a classroom of the future’ Technology in education, e-learning and empowering teachers to use these in the classroom of the future will be a strong theme at the upcoming SABC Education African EduWeek in Johannesburg next week. More than 85 leading suppliers of technology, stationery and content to the education sector will showcase their offering when some 2000 teachers and education experts gather for an interactive conference and expo from 10-11 July at the Sandton Convention Centre. Entry to the expo is free and visitors can also attend free workshops on classroom technology and various other challenges that teachers face on a daily basis. For the first time the event also has an international pavilion by CEIEC (China Educational Instrument & Equipment Corporation), a major supplier of educational and scientific equipment. Access to quality education “Integrating technology into teaching and learning has the potential to enable equal access to quality education resources” says Andre Christian, Education Business Development Manager at Intel; “if we want all the children of South Africa to have access to quality education, it implies that they should have access to technology to enable this engagement.” More than 10 million students around the world are using Intel-based platforms and Intel Education Solutions to improve teaching and learning. The global technology giant is the exclusive diamond sponsor at this year’s African EduWeek. Teacher development “All the technology in the world will not improve education unless we ensure that teachers have the required content knowledge and pedagogical skills,” says Kobus van Wyk, head of e-learning at Mustek, another exhibitor at the event, “teacher development is definitely the major challenge in education at present.” His vision for this sector is closer cooperation between different stakeholders. He explains: “in order to make e-education a reality in all schools …
African EduWeek literacy expert “alarmed by the adamant attitude of some African people” in opposing mother tongue education
New York professor blames technology and hip hop for literacy decline “I am alarmed by the adamant attitude of some African people of all walks of life in opposing literacy acquisition in the mother tongue,” says Associate Professor Immaculee Harushimana, of Lehman College at the City University of New York and part of an expert panel discussion on literacy strategies at the upcoming African EduWeek in Johannesburg in July. She continues: “I would expect people to realize how poorly equipped elementary teachers are to impart literacy in foreign languages to children who may not have an opportunity to discover the authentic language outside of the classroom. It is simply unfair to expose young children to a language that they cannot practice at home or in the neighborhoods.” Literacy under siege globally The Burundi-born literacy educator adds that “I regret to state that literacy is under siege on a global scale. I am extremely concerned about the poor quality of reading and writing that I note among university students across the board, whether they are reading in their first language or not! Several factors are at the origin of the literacy decline, including technology, hip hop culture, and linguistic liberalism.” She says “my major argument is that the proliferation and ubiquity of technology in the world has reduced young generations’ interest in reading for depth and enjoying talking and writing about readings. The popularity of hypertexts has significantly reduced the intellectual curiosity as one reads. Hip hop culture is another major disruptive force when it comes to conventional literacy acquisition by new generations.” Mother tongue education Dr Harushimana is part of a panel discussion at the upcoming African EduWeek on “best skills/practice to teach literacy in any language”. “My message is simple, loud and clear”, she notes, “let us teach our children to love themselves and their heritage first before we introduce them to the …
Track Your Press Release HERE:
How groundbreaking, inclusive technology is bringing low vision and blind learners into the light
African EduWeek to showcase latest classroom technology in July “If I had had this technology when I was still in school, I would probably have become a heart surgeon,” says 22-year-old Kyle Williams, IT specialist at Edit Microsystems, who provides onsite support to the Athlone School for the Blind in Cape Town. Kyle is visually impaired and a former pupil of the school and currently assists the learners and teachers of the school to use 44 new BrailleNote Apex computers. Says Kyle: “what we are currently doing is revolutionising education and learning for those with visual impairments, making education and studying much easier. It is 99.9% similar to a laptop with a daily planner, access to email and internet. There is a media centre for radio, a scientific calculator and a built-in chat function.” The BrailleNote Apex has a braille terminal and at the school is connected to a computer screen for the teachers to follow what the learners are doing. It can also be connected to a smart phone. This technology will never replace braille The Athlone School for the Blind principal Fletcher Fisher says: “we received a big donation from the Western Cape Education Department when we received 44 braille computers for our learners. The BrailleNote Apex is very expensive but it is going to change the face of education for the visually impaired in South Africa.” He explains that learners no longer have to carry around enormous braille books and the traditional, heavy Perkins braille typewriter. With the braille computer, all the work can be uploaded electronically. He adds: “whatever the learner is typing the teacher can read on the computer monitor. This way the teacher can help the learner immediately during the lesson. “ Principal Fletcher continues: “one thing that I must emphasise, this technology will never replace braille, you need to be braille literate. Braille will never be made redundant. This technology will simply enhance the braille skills.” The …
Track Your Press Release HERE:
SABC Education African EduWeek offers teachers support and innovative ideas for the classroom in July
“Interactive conference and expo to empower through technology and interaction” The annual SABC Education African EduWeek is expected to gather some 2000 teachers and education professionals from 10-11 July at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg for an interactive conference and expo that will empower them through expert talks, introductions to classroom technology and interaction with their peers. Says African EduWeek event director Tanya Jackman: “we’re very proud of our speaker line-up that offers inspirational messages, best practice sharing and success stories from South Africa, the continent and further abroad. The African EduWeek conference sessions focus on challenges and breakthroughs in Basic and Higher Education, Technology in the classroom and Inclusivity.” She adds: “teachers will also be able to attend free, practical and hands-on workshops which train and enhance their teaching skills in the classroom and enhancing the learning experience of their students. They will also focus on the issues which teachers face every day such as overcrowding, safety & security, teaching in a school with a multitude of languages and lack of infrastructure.” Integrating technology into teaching Many well-known suppliers to the education sector are supporting the event, particularly Intel who is the diamond sponsor. Says Andre Christian, Education Business Development Manager at Intel: “There is a need to ensure teachers are able, skilled and confident to teach using technology. Integrating technology into teaching and learning has the potential to enable equal access to quality education resources. If we want all the children of South Africa to have access to quality education, it implies that they should have access to technology to enable this engagement.” Other sponsors are Pearson, Samsung, Dell and Compute. Some African EduWeek conference highlights: Opening session: Chairman: Graeme Bloch, Independent Education Specialist • …
Track Your Press Release HERE:
Neurologist turned teacher to explain “aha moment” at African EduWeek in July
Conference and expo to provide practical and relevant support to teachers A neurologist who became a classroom teacher will explain how best to stimulate young people’s brains to process information into knowledge and wisdom during the upcoming SABC Education African EduWeek in Johannesburg in July. Thousands of teachers and education experts will attend the annual conference and expo from 10-11 July at the Sandton Convention Centre for an interactive gathering that will empower them through technology, skills and interaction with their peers. One of the African EduWeek keynote speakers in the opening session is Dr Judy Willis, a board-certified neurologist in California, who left her practice after 15 years to become a teacher. At the time she says there was a marked increase of children being referred to her with suspected neurological conditions, and she discovered that this was due to the vast amount of material that students had to learn at school. Dr Willis explains: “I realised that these stresses of frustration and boredom had wiped out the joy of learning and kids were unable to be engaged in learning through curiosity, but instead by drill and forced memorization. I felt that this was something I could make a difference in and influence a better way of teaching.” She continues: “I believed that because as a neurologist I had a strong background in things like memory and how the brain processes information, I felt that if I had the opportunity to become a classroom teacher and receive the training, I could take what I know in neuroscience and see if it worked with students in the classroom and that’s what I did.” Having ideas coming together in ‘aha moment’ Dr Willis taught for ten years to 2nd grade, 5th grade and 7th grade mathematics. “During this time I was delighted by the power of neuroscience to shine a light and suggest strategies from education that would be most correlated with the neuroscience research that was increasing in …
Track Your Press Release HERE:
African Utility Week and Clean Power Africa a truly pan-African event, celebrating the continent’s best
“The utility industry is maturing in Africa” African Utility Week and Clean Power Africa has come of age as a truly pan-African event, by the industry and for the industry, with continent-wide collaboration and celebration to produce the best of Africa, says programme director Nicolette Pombo-van Zyl. She adds: “this year’s gathering at the CTICC in Cape Town had just over 5000 registered attendees from 76 countries, of which 30 African, 1100 delegates, 240 exhibitors, 190 speakers, nine conference tracks, and with a high profile opening session and an industry awards gala dinner it was the biggest event yet in our 14 year history.” Eskom’s Group Executive Transmission, Mongezi Ntsokolo, lead the high-level panel of experts during the opening session, which included Agnes Dasewicz of the USAID’s Power Africa Initiative and NERSA CEO Phindile Balendi. Other leading delegates and experts who were at the event included Reynolds Dagogo-Jack, Chairman of the Presidential Task Force on Power in Nigeria, Robert Kisubi, Stakeholder Manager at Umeme in Uganda and the World Bank’s water development expert Diego Rodrigues. Utility industry is maturing African Utility Week’s Nicolette Pombo-van Zyl says “the focus for 2014 covered the vision for a sustainable African utility sector including topics around the restructuring and privatisation of the Nigeria power sector, delving into what is required to improve the financial viability of water utilities, and the growing concern around the need for water-energy-food nexus initiatives.” She continues: “it is evident from the frank presentations delivered by industry leaders and through the open conversations during the networking functions that the utility industry is maturing in Africa. This market is the frontier for development and is not willing to copy current formulas without exploring and thoroughly researching solutions that fit the environment.” African Utility Week Awards The sold out, inaugural African …
Track Your Press Release HERE:
SABC Education Career Indaba is back and it’s better than ever before
“Students can walk away with tangible learnings that will benefit them instantly” SABC Education Career Indaba has attracted the support of top companies, including Anglo American, Auditor General South Africa and Allan Gray, who will be at the expo this year at the Sandton Convention Centre from 19-20 May. Career Indaba, to which entry is free, is aimed at South Africa’s youth. International opportunities Career Indaba’s event director Tanya Jackman explains: “there are a multitude of opportunities for learners of all academic capabilities and financial backgrounds to pursue their dream of international travel and studying abroad. Our connections in these international universities have told us that South Africa is now becoming a top priority for student acquisition and Career Indaba was identified as the perfect event to partner with to promote their bursaries and scholarships”. She goes on to say, “Career Indaba has made huge strides this year by bringing an international element to the show. Ensuring students that studying abroad is a possible option. This is why it is important to expose South African youth to International possibilities.” With international universities from China, Russia, Japan and America participating in Career Indaba parents are encouraged to accompany their children to meet with these connections face to face. Encouraging local development “We want to help learners and young people to take the next step in their education and career development. Career Indaba puts the needs of the student first by presenting them with exciting and relevant local careers and further education options in one location,” says Tanya. Top South African universities and employers will be looking for bright young students to recruit. Tanya adds: “what better way to prepare for your academic or working future than to get advice from the experts themselves? Our Interactive Zone offers that personal engagement whereby students can speak …
Track Your Press Release HERE:
City of Cape Town named top municipality in African Utility Week Awards
The City of Cape Town was named top municipality in the African Utility Week Awards that were announced on Tuesday evening at the CTICC in Cape Town. The continent’s leading utility and energy professionals and projects were honoured and successes in the industry throughout 2013 were celebrated. More than 5000 power and water professionals have gathered for the 14th annual African Utility Week and Clean Power Africa conference and expo during which the focus is on energy and water efficiency, back-up electricity supply, clean energy solutions and Pan-African cooperation. “We’re absolutely delighted”, said the City of Cape Town’s Executive Director for Utility Services Gisela Kaiser after receiving the award for top municipality on Tuesday evening: “this is thanks to thousands of dedicated and disciplined staff and fearless leadership who only expect the best from us.” Says African Utility Week’s programme director Nicolette Pombo-van Zyl: “we are so proud to have the City of Cape Town as the official host city to our event as Cape Town is a city that is serious about service delivery and planning. The City of Cape Town’s infrastructure planning for short-term, medium-term and long-term is at the highest level.” The other finalists in this category were the eThekwini, Durban and Nelson Mandela Bay Municipalities. Lifetime achievement “An unexpected and gratifying honour”, is how Dr Steve Lennon, Group Executive: Sustainability at Eskom responded to winning the Lifetime Achievement Award. He has been with Eskom for more than 30 years and is widely recognised locally and internationally for leadership in areas such as technological innovation and R&D, sustainability management and the triple bottom line, Southern African and Global energy sector trends and policy, climate change policy and strategy, renewable energy including project development and funding and establishing partnerships and networks including Investor relationships. Says Dr …
Track Your Press Release HERE:
SABC Education partners with Career Indaba and African EduWeek
Thousands of school leavers and job seekers expected at Sandton in May “A partnership with SABC Education has been a long time ambition for us as this takes our education events, Career Indaba and African EduWeek, to a whole new level and will enable us to reach the hearts and minds of learners, students and teachers everywhere,” says Tanya Jackman, event director of Career Indaba and African EduWeek. SABC Education has signed a three-year agreement with the event organisers which entails pre-event promotion to its radio and television audience as well as a strong presence onsite during the events. The third annual Career Indaba is taking place at the Sandton Convention Centre from 19-20 May and is South Africa’s number one destination for students, learners, job seekers and young professionals to meet universities, FETs, career advisors and employers. The eighth edition of African EduWeek, which returns to Johannesburg from 10-11 July, is specifically aimed at teachers and education experts and is the continent’s premier education conference and expo. Says Danie Swart, head of SABC Education: “since 1996, SABC Education has been proud to fulfil its mandate with compelling educational content for our diverse audiences in South Africa and the rest of Africa. To enable us to continue enriching minds and lives, we have to also spread our wings and find partners that have similar values and can complement our offering. We believe we have found this in Spintelligent, who have been organising very successful education and other events in South Africa and all over the continent, for many years.” SABC has strong presence at Career Indaba According to Career Indaba’s Tanya Jackman: “we want all learners to know that regardless of their background, there is a wealth of opportunities for them out there. Career Indaba presents us with the opportunity to reach out to as many learners as possible who don’t have access to adequate or the right information about career …
Track Your Press Release HERE:
African Utility Week to focus on why energy savings and back-up generation are more vital than ever
Source the latest power and water solutions at African Utility Week in Cape Town in May Due to the national power shortage and the rising electricity prices, large power and water users like mining houses, commercial buildings, manufacturing plants and the agricultural sector need to address the impact that consumption has on their bottom line and explore technology that can mitigate risks. According to a report by the African Development Bank, poor electricity supply has also proved to be the major constraint to the business sector in Africa and has contributed to lower productivity and competitiveness levels. “The African Utility Week and Clean Power Africa exhibition and conference will assist the private and public sectors to support the national grid and reduce their power and water consumption”, says event director Russell Hughes. This includes a variety of free energy and water efficiency workshops on the expo floor, with topics including energy conservation at large plants, improving water usage for businesses, and using ISO 50 001 to integrate a business energy management plan. Organisations can hear how they can reduce electricity consumption by 11% and Engen will explain how as one of more than 250 exhibitors at African Utility Week, taking place from 13-14 May at the CTICC in Cape Town. They will assist utilities, municipalities and large power users in their endeavours to be more energy efficient. Other products on display include environmentally friendly generation solutions from MarelliMotori and First Solar, the latest in condition monitoring to avoid down-time from Martec and back-up generation solutions by Zest. Maintenance challenges There is also a strong focus on maintenance at the event as part of addressing the current energy constraints with dedicated maintenance workshops, around electrical motor maintenance, ICT tools for water utilities and the ISO 55 000 asset management standard with speakers from companies such as Pragma, …