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Creating a sustainable learning community: the Vuselela College - Jouberton Campus and Are-Fadimeheng Computer Literacy Project

The Vuselela College: Jouberton Campus/Are-Fadimeheng Computer Literacy Project is an exceptional example of excellence and sustainable training focused on the learning environment of the next generation. Starting through the innovative use of dated DOS technology and equipment, a sustainable learning community had been created with benefits on multiple levels. A secondary school typing classroom was converted into a computer literacy training centre with twenty-eight 486 computers and twelve dot matrix printers. The programme has been 'upgraded' since the beginning of 2004 to run on Windows technology. Grades 10 and 11 learners attend a one hour class per week for ten weeks. They start with keyboard and basic word processing skills, and progress to intermediate and advanced word processing and spreadsheet skills. The project is financially self-sustaining. The fee per learner covers the expenses towards maintenance of equipment, consumables and the facilitator's remuneration. A fixed amount per learner is contributed to the school fund. Key benefits: upon completion of the course, learners can proceed to Windows training at the campus, and many take Computer Practice as an additional Grade 12 subject; a sustainable learning community is created; learners are simultaneously equipped with a useful skill for FET [further education and training] and HET [higher education and training], and a marketable workplace skill; the school status has been enhanced to a sought after secondary school, resulting in an increased learner intake; the partnership between the college and local school community ensures strong linkages and good relations; the facilitator is an unemployed N6 college student - she now earns an income, gains experience that improves her employability, and the administrative part of the work serves as experience towards her obtaining a National Diploma. Future plans: ensuring that all Are-Fadimeheng Grade 12 school leavers are computer literate; training teachers and administrative staff to utilize computer technology for work and other purposes; involvement in computer training, as well as computerised literacy and numeracy programmes; meeting the needs of learners from neighbouring schools as well as working parents through after hours programmes.

The Vuselela College: Jouberton Campus/Are-Fadimeheng Computer Literacy Project is an exceptional example of excellence and ...  Show Full Abstract  

Authors: Bierman, Ronel
Conference name: IVETA Conference
Date: 2004
Geographic subjects: Africa; South Africa
Resource type: Conference
Subjects: Technology; Innovation; Literacy;

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