Page 15 -

KEEPING PACE WITH
TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCEMENTS
AROUND THE WORLD
There is no denying the fact that, if we do
not embrace the latest technological waves
of change, we will be left behind while the
world around us progresses at a rate we
cannot comprehend. Mixo Ngoveni, one
of the co-founders of Geekulcha agrees
and adds that we need to inspire the youth
of SA to think beyond their classrooms,
environments and households because the
jobs of tomorrow will be created through
science, technology, engineering and
mathematics (STEM) and will be very
different to the traditional job roles that we
know today.

“Artificial intelligence (AI) and robots are
gradually being integrated into our world
and I don’t mean that in a negative way.
These platforms are reshaping the way
we look at work, systems and even play.
Behind the scenes of AI and robotics are
human beings - we need to programme,
code and engineer these platforms to do
what we require. Our challenge is to instil THE NEED FOR A BALANCED In my job as a Deputy Head, there are times in
a way of understanding these platforms APPROACH TO TECH EDUCATION the day when I am required to lead and there
into our youth so that they are prepared Taking a cautious approach to the campaign are times when I need to step back because
for the jobs of tomorrow and a future that to produce more tech-savvy school I am not the most skilled or knowledgeable
we cannot even begin to fathom,” says graduates, Simon Crane, Deputy Head - person in the room. Having the humility to step
Ngoveni. HeronBridge College, however, emphasises back, despite whatever job title one holds, is a
the need for greater emotional intelligence critical skill within any workforce.
Geekulcha is an organisation which was and a holistic view of the drive to upskill the
spearheaded to create a platform for learners. This is what he had to say: Being resilient and having moral courage
young, skilled and creative tech minds to and integrity are very important. We need
connect with each other, share knowledge, What will be required from the school to encourage our boys and girls to stand
collaborate on projects, network with children of today when tomorrow comes? for something and to have the commitment
industry leaders and put newly acquired I don’t think we can answer that with any to see things through. We need them to
skills to work. Established in March 2013, degree of certainty. We are, as teachers learn how to win with humility and grace
with a mandate to empower young minds and parents, preparing children for an and we need to have them practise the
through information and communication unknown and unsure future. The only real skill of losing with dignity. It is a fact that
technology (ICT) skills development and conclusion is that things are changing at an we will all lose and win at times in our
training, Geekulcha now has over 11 200 ever-increasing pace and we can’t really lives. Not many people are able to do both
techies and innovators across Africa. predict what lies ahead. of these well.
According to Ngoveni, SA has a wealth of
youngsters who have the hunger to learn Schools are on a treadmill, chasing the next Robotics and coding are watchwords
but have minimal access to these tech hot topic, but like the pot of gold at the end today and I’m not marginalising
platforms. of the rainbow, the closer we think we are the content, but there will be other
to the target, the more it tends to elude us. watchwords ahead that we haven’t heard
“Over the years, I have witnessed And so, what does a good school aim for of yet. Today’s hot topics will likely be
incredible accounts of young people from and where should we set our sights? lukewarm or tepid one day.
underprivileged communities creating
amazing solutions to address everyday My feeling is, after 28 years of teaching in We need to teach and focus heavily on
challenges that were inspired by STEM the UK and in South Africa, that there are skills that endure. Manners are important.
education. Now, more than ever, we need particular aspects that will be required from The ability and the will to work in alignment
backing from government, the private society in the future and just about all of and cooperatively with others is important.
sector and communities to support STEM these are actually far less about content and The ability to communicate effectively
education because we cannot be left on the far more about character-driven traits. with others, both verbally and in writing is
back foot of this worldwide movement,” he important. We need to teach our children that
adds. For instance, we will always need people they exist in community with others. We need
who can work independently. People who them to understand their place in the world
February 2020 was earmarked for the start don’t need micro-managing and who have and that they have neighbours less fortunate
of the Department of Basic Education’s initiative are vital to our world. But, we will than themselves. We need them to have
(DBE) pilot coding and robotics curriculum also always need people who can work a deep care for others, a deep care for the
but it has been pushed back due to as part of a team. People who can delete vulnerable and an inherent respect for all life.
unforeseen circumstances. Learners and ego from their personalities and who work
parents from Grades R to 3 will have to selflessly for the good of others. We can overlay these benchmarks with
wait a few more months for the DBE to kick robotics, coding, devices and whatever
off the new coding and robotics curriculum One skill that needs to be taught to our matters today, but the underpinnings must
across South African Schools, but it will school pupils is the ability to understand that be sure and sound and have a rock-solid
hopefully still take place this year. The sometimes they will be required to lead and foundation.
new curriculum is set to lay a foundation at other times to follow. Being able to adapt to
of development and keen interest towards varying circumstances and to mould oneself So here you have two completely
coding and robotics from a young age. This to the requirements at that specific time is vital different perspectives. Perhaps an
programme will see 50 schools participating today and I believe will continue to be prized approach that includes a bit of both will
in the pilot project. even more highly ahead. provide the right balance?
41
13
DPL
DPL