KOLOK and Intel SA, in partnership with InterSite, an asset investment subsidiary of PRASA and a number of key contributors have launched a ground breaking eLearning project, the KOLOK Education Solution (K-ED) which, for the first time, utilises the existing railroad fibre optics infrastructure to provide connectivity to schools nationwide.
The K-ED proof of concept (PoC) phase, launched today (23 April 2015) at the Durban School for the Hearing Impaired in Amanzimtoti, KwaZulu/Natal represents the first milestone in a countrywide project that endeavours to mitigate connectivity issues nationwide.
Furthermore it will provide a 360 degree, user-friendly solution that will accelerate the adoption of education in technology in South Africa. The key technology partners are Intel; Vastratech (SMART Technologies), Sapient, Microsoft, Edit Microsystems, learnthings Africa and Intersite.
Comments Allan Thompson, MD of KOLOK: “The goal of K-ED is to provide schools with education-centric technology developed by world leaders whilst ensuring adoption success and daily usage. It also falls in line with the worldwide trend to use technology as a tool to improve teaching and learning therefore super speeding South Africa efforts.”
“At Intel we strongly believe in a holistic education transformation model that includes all aspects from professional development, content, devices and connectivity, enabled by an ecosystem that brings it to market,” Videsha Proothveerajh, country general manager: southern Africa, Intel Corporation.
“Technology assist society to leapfrog many of the challenges that would have traditionally been a barrier to individuals fulfilling their potential,” she says.
The K-ED solution comprises sophisticated education technology such as:
- Intel education devices (mini PCs and notebooks)and classroom management software;
- Sapient, Edit Microsystems and Windows software;
- learnthings Africa interactive learning material; and
- SMART Technologies’ interactive flat panel and SMART Notebook Classroom Software.
Each implementation also includes intensive teacher professional development to ensure that both the school and pupils utilise the K-ED Solution to its full potential. All education content is also pre-loaded and CAPS (Curriculum Assessment Policy Statements) aligned.
The PoC at the Durban School for the Hearing Impaired will set the foundation for a nationwide rollout within the foreseeable future.
