Technology must be embraced for the teaching of science and mathematics, says Annie Kgosi, an academic at private higher education institution, MANCOSA.
She said with the challenges associated with Covid-19 and its teaching and learning constraints, mathematics teaching at MANCOSA has transitioned to move from face-to-face delivery to online delivery.
“MANCOSA developed new approaches for mathematics teaching that are the ICT-based mode; the blended delivery mode that comprises online teaching materials and instructor-delivered content; and the virtual mode including online delivery and collaborative learning.
“We have adapted to new online resources that include Microsoft Teams, Zoom and Google platforms. Other resources are video clips on YouTube, webinars, Voice Over – PowerPoint presentations, smart boards (i.e., smart touch screens), iPads, tablets, laptop computers, high-tech mathematical applications such as GeoGebra and Geoboards and low-tech mathematical applications like a scientific calculator and simulator,” said Ms Kgosi.
She said the virtual and blended delivery modes encouraged students to develop collaborative teams in small breakaway rooms where they can share ideas and learn from each other.
“These platforms enable students to do research in mathematics education and provide them with opportunities to engage in mathematical applications such as GeoGebra and use of the calculator and YouTube videos to navigate some of the mathematical concepts and topics.
“When students engage on social platforms, there is also the opportunity to build a mathematics community and guide our students into the 21st century and the Fourth Industrial Revolution, which allows them to master technology and use it to their learning ability,” she said.
Kgosi added digital technology at MANCOSA promotes also offers teachers the opportunity to transform teaching and learning from traditional to modern and advanced teaching methods.
Thanks to guided discovery and direct teaching in our mathematics classes or on virtual platforms, teachers need increased access to and reliance on technology for continuous professional development (CPD), as some have not grown up with technology. Subsequently, teachers should take the initiative to familiarise themselves with the new technological resources and use the digital tools available to them.
“There are always new opportunities because technology continues to evolve and is dynamic. There are also new opportunities to learn from co-workers, peers, and students. Therefore, a platform for new opportunities that could involve engagement with students will always be possible as mathematics education as a discipline continues to evolve as research develops,” she said.
Annie said in a country that is low-tech and data-poor, the promotion of highly designed and developed scientific calculators should be considered for the use of learning mathematics. Teachers can also use projectors to teach their learners and present some of their mathematics concepts and skills. Learners can also access some of the mathematics concepts using their phone whenever data is available.
She said the objective is to produce 21st century student teachers who are fully equipped and efficient in the use of ICT in the mathematics classroom.
ENDS
ABOUT MANCOSA
MANCOSA, a leading provider of management programmes through supported distance learning in Southern Africa, is renowned for its MBA offering, which is ranked among the 10 of the best MBAs in Africa. A member of Honoris United Universities – the first Pan-African private higher education network focused on nurturing the next generation of African leaders and professionals. MANCOSA serves as an innovation hub for undergraduate and postgraduate management, offering 50 accredited programmes. A selection of Executive Education Short Learning Programmes is also offered to meet the requirements of professionals in both the private and public sectors. See: www.mancosa.co.za
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About Honoris United Universities
Honoris United Universities is the first and largest Pan-African private higher education network committed to educating the next generation of African leaders and professionals able to impact regionally in a globalised world. Collaborative intelligence, cultural agility and mobile mind-sets and skills are at the heart of Honoris’ vision of higher education. Honoris United Universities joins the expertise of its member institutions to develop world-class African Human capital that is competitive in today’s fast-paced, demanding and increasingly digitised labour and start-up markets.
Honoris United Universities gathers a community of 57,000 students on 70 campuses, learning centres and via on-line, in 10 countries and 32 cities. The network counts 14 institutions: multidisciplinary universities, specialised schools, technical and vocational institutes, contact, distance, and online institutions. Students have an opportunity to experience exclusive partnerships and exchange programs in more than 85 universities across Europe and the United States. Over 300 degrees are offered in Health Sciences, Engineering, IT, Business, Law, Architecture, Creative Arts and Design, Media, Political Science and Education.
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Issued by:
Yogin Devan
Meropa Communications
(031) 201 0550 / 083 326 3962
On behalf of:
Honoris United Universities
Durban