Leading private education provider embraces online learning
Microsoft News Center • June 23, 2020
Leading private education provider embraces online learning
June 22, 2020 | Microsoft News Center
What started as a pilot project two years ago with the ADvTECH Group to test the potential of remote teaching and learning at its South African schools, has evolved into a full-scale rollout to transform primary and high school education in South Africa, Botswana, and Kenya.
“Online learning as a concept has been discussed for many years. Unfortunately, up to now it has mostly been theoretical. But given how technology has permeated every facet of our lives, it has become essential to progress towards a more future-focused education environment. This requires an approach that goes beyond any specific curriculum and accounts for delivering content and skills on a variety of subjects using more innovative ways,” says John Luis, head of academics at ADvTECH.
Luis cautions that technology on its own does not necessarily enhance educational performance. Instead, it prepares learners for their future job environments.
“Online learning will not suddenly result in learners performing better at science, maths, and other subjects. It is a tool that gives our children the confidence they need to work with technology in a digital market. Schools that embrace this not only provide their learners with a quality education, but also a real sense of technology and how it integrates into the world of work,” he says.
Embracing technology
ADvTECH partnered with Microsoft to roll out the technology company’s Teams integrated collaboration platform, which incorporates chat, video, and audio meetings, file storage, shared files, calendars and apps, and collaborative editing.
“With 110 schools in our stable, we approached Wits University to become our training partner to empower teachers with an intimate understanding of the platform. Each school identified two digital leaders to be trained, who in turn, conducted their own training at the school to implement Teams. As of the second semester (which began on 14 April), more than 2 000 teachers across the three countries were actively delivering classes via Teams,” says Luis.
Prior to the country lockdown, ADvTECH ensured that all teachers went through intensive refresher courses to make sure they would be comfortable with the online learning environment and knew how to structure lessons to optimally benefit learners.
“Despite being online, our schools are keeping stringent attendance registers to ensure learners attend the virtual classes. Many have kept their rosters unchanged so as to not disrupt the experience of going to school albeit using digital means. We have seen teachers embrace the Teams environment to make lessons more engaging and have incorporated technology to provide for quite an innovative classroom situation.”
He says one of the learnings to date has been that teachers present via their laptops and be participants on their mobile devices so they can see what their students see.
“This can mitigate the risk of the lesson not being displayed properly or any other visual challenges. Online education is highly dependent on the type of connectivity teachers and learners have at home. Fibre provides the best experience with 3G sometimes struggling to deliver an effective audio and visual experience.”
The way of the future
Beyond the current situation, Luis believes that Teams will change the future of remote teaching and learning.
“It is not going to be a case of going back to the old way of education. Instead, a hybrid approach will be driving learning. As teachers start getting comfortable with the technology, they are getting more excited about its potential. We will never move completely away from a face-to-face environment, but Teams can greatly enhance the potential of using technology at schools,” he concludes.
A Lifelong Educator Mr Chris Herbst has spent 41 years in the classroom. With a Bachelor of Education from the University of the Witwatersrand, he has taught countless learners over the decades. He joined Crawford International Sandton in 1999 and currently teaches Afrikaans to students from Grade 8 to Grade 12. His role spans across five different year groups, a challenge he embraces. “I have my hands full as I navigate the excitement and challenges of teaching an additional language to five different grades,” he says. Why Teaching Still Matters For Mr Herbst, teaching is not a job. It is something he feels deeply connected to. “Teaching is my great passion and calling. The classroom is where I find my motivation and inspiration,” he shares. “When we have a really good lesson and I see our students leave having learned something new, or figured out a challenging concept, then I am motivated and inspired all over again.” These everyday moments keep him grounded in his purpose. They are the quiet victories that reaffirm his place in the classroom. Freedom to Teach with Meaning Mr Herbst values Crawford’s approach to learning, particularly the way it supports teacher agency and student-centred learning. “I love the fact that the focus is student-centred, and that as teachers we have the freedom and the responsibility to create a teaching and learning environment that works best for every learning need,” he says. He believes this flexibility allows for learning to become more meaningful. “If I identify that a particular topic or poem has piqued the interest of my class, I have the freedom to delve deeper and really explore the subject matter without being bound by rigid syllabus rules and time frames.” Connecting Language to the Real World Teaching Afrikaans in a school where it is often an additional language means finding ways to make it resonate. Mr Herbst understands that for many students, the subject may not come naturally. “For many students, learning another language may initially feel like a requirement rather than a passion,” he explains. To bridge that gap, he brings the language to life through content that students can relate to. “It’s important to integrate engaging, real-world content such as music, movies, and stories that align with the students’ interests.” These tools, he believes, help students see the language in context and build an emotional connection to it. A Teaching Legacy Over the course of his career, Mr Herbst has taught more than one generation in the same family. It is a milestone he reflects on with pride. “I have taught students who are now parents, and I am teaching their children today. It doesn’t get better than that.” But what stands out most for him is being remembered. “By far my biggest kick is when a past student recognises me and comes over to strike up a conversation and talk about their life and work after school.”
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ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT: DYLAN BIZJAK Crawford International Sandton From the classrooms of Crawford International Sandton to the forefront of aeronautical engineering in the Netherlands, Dylan Bizjak’s journey is one of ambition, resilience and innovation . Pursuing a Passion for Engineering After matriculating in 2019, Dylan initially pursued Aeronautical Engineering at Wits University. However, six months into his studies, a new opportunity emerged, one that would take him beyond South Africa’s borders. He secured a place at Inholland University of Applied Sciences in Delft, Netherlands, where he embraced the challenge of international study, even navigating his first year remotely due to the pandemic. Now a graduate with a BSc in Aeronautical Engineering (2024), Dylan has stepped into the professional world, joining Eve Reverse, a pioneering start-up dedicated to climate-positive innovation. What began as an internship in his final year evolved into a full-time role as a Research and Development Engineer, where he contributes to the creation of sustainable, carbon-negative materials. His proudest achievement? Playing a key role in the development of the Eve Dry Tile, an innovative flax fibre material designed to reduce emissions and waste in manufacturing. Achievements at Crawford International Sandton Gareth Beach Award (2019) – Recognised for bravery, dedication, self-development and outstanding achievement in swimming. Sportsman of the Year (2019) – Acknowledged for excellence in swimming, basketball and boxing. Reflections on Crawford Dylan credits his time at Crawford for preparing him for both academic and personal success on the global stage. “Crawford’s approach equips you for university and beyond, whether in South Africa or internationally. It’s not just about academics but about becoming a well-rounded critical thinker and team player. Exposure to diverse cultures, teamwork, individuality and taking responsibility for my outcomes were invaluable lessons I carried with me.” Words of Wisdom To his younger self, Dylan would say: “Step out of your comfort zone sooner. Growth happens when you challenge yourself. Leaving home was tough, but the personal and professional growth was worth every stumble along the way.” Dylan’s story is a testament to courage, hard work and the power of embracing the unknown. From South Africa to the Netherlands, he is proving that the sky isn’t the limit, it is just the beginning.
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