SchoolNet South Africa has 19 years of experience using technology in education through mobile learning projects. They focus on changing pedagogies to be more student-centered using innovative technologies like tablets. Effective models for mobile learning ensure engaging materials, competent tutors, change leadership across different levels of the education system, and sustainability through communities of practice. SchoolNet's work shows how mobile technologies can fast-track learning if used to promote learner-centered activities led by empowered teachers through professional development.

1. Teacher Education
and Mobile
Learning Technologies
SchoolNet South Africa
GDE - 8th February 2016

2. History of
SchoolNet
• Who are we and
• where do we come from?
Learning
Technologies
• Some SchoolNet
Experiences of models
Current
Developments
• South African
and International
frameworks
Overview of presentation

3. beginnings….
• 19 years experience of using technology in education
Non-Profit NGO
• “Creating communities of teachers and learners using ICT to enhance
teaching and learning”
SchoolNet Mission
• SchoolNet grew from volunteer provincial teacher organisations
Networking teachers

5. believes in ………….
• the most effective way of changing existing pedagogies
Innovative technologies
• Creativity and Innovation - Critical Thinking and Problem Solving - Communication and Collaboration
21st Century learning
• Principals, SMTs, teachers and district officials own the process of systemic change using
technology effectively – through change leadership and peer support
Sustainability
• Not allowing technology to dictate but rather following teachers’ needs
Focusing on teaching and learning

6. SchoolNet experiences - of mobile learning
ICT4RED – 6 500 learners, 350 teachers, 16 officials
Learning Gains through Play in the Primary – 2 provinces
SchoolNet’s A Journey with Tablets
Intel Teach: Tablets in the Classroom 2015
Individual school projects – Touchable Earth

7. CSIR – Meraka
Cofimvaba,
Eastern Cape
Arthur Mfebe
learners carry their
tablets to and
from school

8. Learning Gains through Play – positive findings
“If children do not learn the way
we teach, then we must teach the
way they learn” Ignacio Estrada

10. A one day course
teachers explore teaching strategies for
student centred tablet-based learning,
tablet management techniques in the
classroom.
collaborative models for teaching and
learning in a mobile environment.
Introduction to Tablets in the Classroom 2015

11. Individual School Projects
‘Using computers to learn - NOT
learning to use computers’
Inqolayolwazi Primary KZN
Lakeview Full Service Primary – Soweto
Peermont schools project

12. Elements of Effective Models
1. Engaging course materials 2. Empathetic and competent tutors
SACE accredited

13. Elements of Effective Models
3. Change Leadership
including district officials
4. Sustainability – champions and
communities of practice, peer support

14. Policy revisions 2016 – including TPACK and SAMR
UNESCO Teacher Competency
Framework
Professional Development Guidelines
for learning with Technologies 2016

15. In Summary
• Teaching and learning are top considerations – not hard or software
• Ensure balance between spending on technology and on training
• Innovative technologies force a change in pedagogies
• Give teachers a new zest for teaching
• Main focus is learner attainment – digital skills are just a by product
• Learners can be fast-tracked, using technologies effectively
• Promoting learner-centredness – leading to learner-driven activities
• Ensure sustainability by empowering champions and PLCs

16. Thank you
Janet Thomson
@JanetThomson and @SchoolNetSA
Janet Thomson
Janet@schoolnet.org.za
www.schoolnet.org.za