Over the past few years, there has been a rapid advancement of digital technology in education. Learners and educators can now connect from any location and have access to innovative learning tools and opportunities online. This digitalisation can pave the way for a high-quality, future-focused education system that can benefit not just young people and their educators but society at large.
While these developments are exciting, there still needs to be cognisance of existing digital divides. Without access to connectivity, devices, resources and skills, youth will not be equipped and prepared for the demands of the digital age and prosper as a country within it. Partnerships between the public sector and private organisations can facilitate and advance digital solutions that accelerate access to quality education for all.
Vodacom's Solution: Connected Digital Education
Vodacom Business is committed to supporting digitalising education and addressing digital inequalities. Through the Connected Digital Education solution, learners, educators and education facilities, from schools to universities, are connecting affordably to the world of virtual learning. Developed in partnership with Microsoft South Africa, the platform’s innovative, collaborative digital tools and devices allow knowledge to be shared easily, securely and in real time between learners and educators remotely. Learning can be more accessible, interactive and engaging, promoting better outcomes, and young people can develop vital skills such as digital fluency, communication, analytical thinking and problem-solving, which are needed for future employability.
Vodacom’s partnership with the government to digitalise education is long-standing. Almost ten years ago, we launched the e-School platform in collaboration with the Department of Basic Education, which offers learners, educators and parents access to zero-rated online education resources that are curricula-aligned for Grades R-12. When the pandemic limited physical access to schools, Vodacom e-school surged to more than 1.2 million users.
Providing affordable and Reliable Connectivity for Learning Institutes
Embedding such transformative technology solutions in education requires ubiquitous quality connectivity. Working with the Department of Basic Education and Department of Higher Education and Training, Vodacom Business is combining affordable, reliable connectivity solutions with devices to overcome barriers to digital learning. The Virtual Classroom solution showcases this impact, as schools in rural areas are equipped with internet connectivity and can take advantage of opportunities to connect to other educational centres and leverage learning resources remotely. Furthermore, students and teachers have access to data-enabled digital devices to connect with each other no matter where they are.
At a higher education level, Vodacom Business is working with institutions to ensure students and staff have the data and digital tools necessary to continue learning on and off campus. Our recent partnership with UNISA provides students and staff with free and reliable access to essential online resources and tools to ensure quality distance learning is a reality. This initiative reinforces our ongoing support across all levels of education to shape a future-ready education ecosystem.
This includes collaborating with the technical and vocational education and training (TVET) sector, which plays a vital role in developing relevant skills for South Africa’s workforce and growing the country’s economy. Digital transformation within these higher education institutions involves not only investment in digital resources and infrastructure, but adapting curricula to meet modern-day industry requirements, such as digital skills, and to encourage entrepreneurship. Vodacom Business is building on our partnership with the government to achieve these ambitions.
Equipping Educators With The Necessary Skills
Access to online education platforms alone does not guarantee improved learning outcomes. Digital skills are just as necessary for teachers and students to effectively use these resources and not get left behind. Therefore, our Connected Education platform provides training for educators and learners, with access to enterprise-grade IT support. Unlocking digital skills and talent is critical to building an inclusive digital society and enabling socio-economic empowerment now and in the future.
To fully embrace digitalisation, the education sector also needs to look at its administration and other processes that optimise the learning environment and increase access to quality education. For example, Vodacom Business partnered with the Gauteng Education Department to digitalise the school admissions system, which has helped to speed up and process more applications. In addition, digital solutions for the education sector in the Eastern Cape include a web-based school management system to give the education department real-time visibility at their schools.
Success Through Collaboration
Critical to the success of digitalising education are the partnerships between government, educational institutions and the private sector. By working together, we can overcome the barriers to accessing quality education, such as driving affordable connectivity and devices, improving digital skills and enhancing overall digital education outcomes. In doing so, we can empower individuals, uplift communities, and strengthen the country.
