In a rural classroom in KwaZulu-Natal, Themba, a devoted teacher, stands before his eager learners, with a textbook open on his desk alongside a tablet and projector.
The learners watch in amazement as a 3D model of the human heart is projected onto the wall, complementing the diagrams in their textbooks.
Through interactive simulations, they explore the heart’s intricate workings, deepening their understanding in ways a textbook alone could not achieve.
Blending traditional teaching and learning tools with digital tools in a meaningful way showcases the transformative power of technology in education.
By enhancing, not replacing, traditional methods, digital innovation is breaking barriers, enriching learning, and opening new doors for learners across South Africa, no matter their location.
The shift from traditional textbooks to digital tools for teaching and learning has been both exciting and challenging.
Today, we are faced with a pivotal moment where the integration of digital tools with traditional methods is essential to address the ongoing challenges in our education system.
The digital transformation of South African schools, initiated in the early 2000s with the government’s White Paper on e-Education, has gained remarkable momentum in recent years.
The COVID-19 pandemic, while exposing the deep digital divide in the country, also acted as a catalyst for rapid innovation in teaching and learning.
This shift has opened up new possibilities to address persistent challenges, such as unequal access to quality education and teacher shortages.
It also creates opportunities to align the curriculum with modern needs, integrating digital skills and interactive learning approaches to better prepare learners for the demands of the 21st century.
Digital transformation in education aims to create an inclusive, equitable, and dynamic learning environment where all learners access high-quality education.
Digital tools like e-learning platforms personalise learning, foster engagement, and provide equal access to world-class content for rural and urban learners alike.
In collaboration with Bytefuse, Maskew Miller Learning is driving this change with Maski, an AI-powered tool that addresses challenges, personalises education, and improves outcomes.
Currently accessible via WhatsApp, Maski ensures learners and teachers, even in under-resourced areas, can benefit from affordable and easy-to-use technology.
However, digital transformation remains hindered by infrastructure challenges, especially in rural areas. For digital education to succeed, accessibility must be a priority.
Collaboration between the public and private sectors, along with efforts like the Department of Basic Education’s (DBE) ICT rollout, is essential to ensure no learner is left behind.
The integration of digital tools in education requires a thoughtful approach that combines pedagogical expertise with innovative content design. The TPACK (Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge) model highlights the need for teachers to not only have access to technology but also understand how to use it effectively in their teaching.
Educational institutions and publishers must prioritise professional development and create resources that empower educators to make the most of these tools.
At the same time, the SAMR (Substitution, Augmentation, Modification, Redefinition) model challenges us to move beyond simply digitising existing materials.
It encourages reimagining learning experiences through technology.
This means creating dynamic, interactive content that transforms education, for instance, virtual history lessons where learners explore ancient civilisations or science classes that use augmented reality to simplify complex ideas.
Together, these models offer a roadmap for using technology to truly revolutionise teaching and learning.
Digital transformation in education is full of promise, but it is not without its hurdles.
The cost of devices and data still puts digital learning out of reach for many, and too few teachers have access to the ICT training they need.
This is where partnerships between the public and private sectors become game changers.
Positive strides are already being made, for example, the Departments of Basic Education and Communications and Digital Technologies have partnered with private sector companies to further expand digital inclusion.
The DBE has also partnered with publishers like Maskew Miller Learning to offer ICT teacher training to teachers across the country.
To ensure the success of digital transformation in education, continuous evaluation and improvement are essential.
Schools and policymakers must actively seek feedback from teachers and learners to assess how well digital tools and platforms are meeting classroom needs and improving educational outcomes.
This collaborative effort requires the involvement of teachers, school administrators, parents, publishers, and technology providers, all working together to create an inclusive and empowering digital education ecosystem.
We commend the DBE for its forward-thinking initiatives and encourage everyone in the education sector to contribute to this shared vision of equitable and effective learning for all South African learners.
The future of South Africa is connected to the potential of digital transformation in education.
It is not a far-off dream but a reality we can build today through the choices we make and the actions we take. This is not just about technology; it is about people.
It is about educators who inspire and guide, parents, guardians and caregivers who believe in their children’s potential, policymakers who work tirelessly for equity, and learners who dream of a better future.
Digital transformation is about unlocking opportunities for every child, no matter where they come from, to learn, grow, and thrive. The tools are in our hands, and the future of South Africa is ours to shape.
