SchoolNet SA is a non-profit NGO focused on creating communities of educators to assist with integrating new technology into education.
SchoolNet implemented a project in a primary school in Vryheid in KwaZulu-Natal in 2011, that looked at the use of the Xbox Kinect as a facilitation tool in assisting Foundation Phase learners gain a better understanding of English (1st Additional Language) as Language of Learning and Teaching.
The evaluators found that the reading age of all learners improved during the course of the first year of the project.
While this might be expected, the study also found numeracy levels, as well as their understanding of general knowledge improved, in addition to language and literacy skills.
Another expected gain was the positive impact on teacher and learner morale.
The evaluation study recorded an overall marked improvement in vocabulary that in turn impacted on comprehension and overall literacy skills.
In Association with the D.G. Murray Trust 2014 – 2016
The D.G. Murray Trust is interested in exploring the potential gains that can be made from play therapy and gamification education at primary school level, and the possibilities for increasing literacy, numeracy and physical skills of primary learners in Grades R and 1 in classrooms using tablets and Xbox Kinect technology.
SchoolNet proposes to introduce a bank of tablets and an Xbox Kinect into five primary schools in the Helderberg Basin in the Western Cape and five primary schools in the Mpophomeni township of KwaZulu-Natal.
Grade 0 and Grade 1 will be targeted in each school.
Workshops will be conducted for teachers as well as a change leadership course for school senior management teams and district government officials.
Direct on-site support in classrooms will be provided as well as on-going online support.
The achievement of the aims of this intervention will rely on SchoolNet’s ability to effectively encourage competent and motivated teachers, who can integrate technology appropriately into their teaching.