E-learning boost

ADSL South Africa (Broadband South Africa), 9 April 2007

E-learning in South Africa received a welcome boost when four high schools in Mamelodi were connected to St Albans College in Pretoria via a broadband network.
 
The project called Ulwazi E-Learning Partnership “…aims to promote dynamic real-time interactive learning and the electronic sharing of knowledge and cultural experiences” (Wireless Ulwazi connects schools via broadband, Webser, Business Day, 30 March 2007). This is according to Judi Nwokedi, Country Manager for Motorola sub-Saharan Africa. Motorola ‘…provided the schools with a Canopy network…’ (Wireless Ulwazi connects schools via broadband, Webser, Business Day, 30 March 2007).
 
In other words, the project will definitely give e-learning a boost in South Africa.
 
Why use a broadband network?
 
A broadband network enables faster communications with fewer interruptions, and its also very flexible in terms of extended it to a wider audience.
 
According to Nwokedi broadband technology ‘…enables them to see and hear what’s happening in other schools’ classrooms, to participate in discussions and obtain answers to their queries. By using broadband technology, knowledge, teaching and other resources are shared between schools’ (Wireless Ulwazi connects schools via broadband, Webser, Business Day, 30 March 2007).
 
In other words, despite the clear ability of a broadband network to connect learners, it also enables face-to-face contact via live video feed without an awful lot of interruptions that’s normally the case with dial-up.
 
“…given the flexibility of the deployed technology, it can be extended to include a much broader audience. Within five years, the Ulwazi network aims to develop a national grid of innovative learning” (Wireless Ulwazi connects schools via broadband, Webser, Business Day, 30 March 2007).
 
In other words, the Ulwazi project aims to expand its broadband network to more schools within the next five years, because the flexibility associated with the deployed broadband technology makes this possible without having to move mountains.
 
ADSL South Africa (Broadband South Africa) welcomes all efforts to boost e-learning in South Africa by employing broadband technology.