The transformative potential of technology in South African schools was the topic of the Faculty of Education's talk during Stellenbosch University's recent Homecoming weekend.

Dr Sonja Strydom, Senior Advisor at the Centre for Learning Technologies and advisor at the Faculty of Education, discussed the opportunities and challenges presented by learning technologies.

"Learning technologies are not meant to replace teachers but rather to complement the best features of face-to-face teaching. It is most effective when an appropriate learning technology tool is used to address a specific educational challenge in the class room or lecture hall.

"Learning technologies could have transformative power but a critical approach is vital and therefore educators should be aware of the opportunities as well as the challenges.

"When an educator identifies a certain educational challenge, he or she should be able to select an appropriate tool and know what they can achieve with it, as well as when and how to include it. Learning technologies need to be integrated in the curriculum in a sensible manner."

The background to this talk is the national drive to integrate learning technologies in school practices as well as the school curriculum, which paves the way for exciting and potentially transformative pedagogies in the current SA school context. Schools are being equipped with a range of basic to more advanced technologies and educators are expected to integrate learning technologies as part of the learning experience of learners. Similarly a closer alignment between departments of education and higher education teacher training departments regarding the use of technologies is evolving.

"It is important to realise that technologies can transform, but also divide," said Strydom. "It therefore remains our responsibility to embrace these opportunities with sensitivity."

Video: Showcasing the current learning technology practices evolving at SU's Faculty of Education as well as the potential of such practices for school education at different educational and contextual levels.   

Photo: At the talk, Willie Knoetze used one smart phone and several A4 pages with specific patterns to showcase how high-technology principles can be applied in a low-technology environment (e.g. where learners don't have access to smart phones or tablets). Photographer: Henk Oets