Smart school produces smart learners

State of the Nation Address

Using Information Communication Technology (ICT) to educate learners boosts their morale and prepares them to stay current and relevant to the needs of the global economy. 

This is according to Mathibedi wa-Medupe, the deputy principal for further education and training at Seshegong Secondary School in Olievenhoutbosch, Centurion. 

The state-of-the-art school was launched in 2018 by the Gauteng Department of Education to help ease learner influx pressure and replaced the original school building, which was situated nearby.

It is the only high school among the three in Olievenhoutbosch that is information technology-based. 

Medupe spoke to Vuk’uzenzele about the benefits that technology has brought to the school. 

Among other things, Medupe said when learners are afforded an opportunity to use world-class technology to learn, it eases the pain of their socio-economic status.

He said the use of ICT in schools is also relevant to the Fourth Industrial Revolution which is also known as 4-IR. The revolution will bring Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS) where computers, networks and physical processes are integrated.

“The use of ICT helps our learners to not consider themselves as poor due to their family backgrounds. It also lays a foundation for them to be ready when they finish high school because they will be expected to use technology at university level and thereafter,” he explained. 

In terms of education benefits, Medupe said ICT enhances teaching and learning in general.

“It assists teachers to prepare better for their classes,” he said, explaining that since their move to their new school, subject delivery has improved. “It also improved the turnaround time of learners’ assessments. The presentation of the research tasks has also improved.

“Today’s generation is very interested in new technology and gadgets. Using smartboards and tablets enhances their interest in education,” he added.

The school obtained a 93.3 percent pass rate in 2018 and was recognised as a top-performing no-fee school in Tshwane South District as well as the no-fee school with the highest percentage of bachelor passes in the district for 2018. 

Although the school was built to accommodate 1 200 learners, there are currently 1 542 learners registered. It has 45 academic staff members, including the principal and her two deputies.