April 2021.

In support of digital technology in local Nama Khoi area high schools, Kangnas Wind Farm has announced funding for the Wi-Fi installation and connectivity. This is in line with the recent programme that provided electronic Smart Boards at these same schools and aims to help correct inequalities in education experienced by learners in rural areas.

The wind farm supports the view that internet connectivity at schools is fundamental to achieving 21st century e-learning, and is backing the District Department of Education’s strategy to roll-out digital technology in local high schools.

“Access to information and digital platforms improve the quality of education in many ways. It opens doorways to a wealth of information, knowledge, and educational resources, increasing opportunities for learning in and beyond the classroom. Teachers use online materials to prepare lessons, and students to extend their range of learning. Interactive teaching methods, supported by the internet, enable teachers to give more attention to individual students’ needs and support shared learning. Furthermore, access to the Internet helps educational administrators to reduce the costs and improve the quality of services at schools,” explained Cheryl Persensie, Economic Development Manager at Kangnas Wind Farm.

Whilst all grades will have online access, certain websites will be blocked for security and safety. The beneficiary schools include St Anna High School; Nababeep High School; SA Van Wyk High School; Concordia High School and Okiep High School.

“The Wi-Fi will contribute to quality learning and teaching. It has put our school in a position to develop and enhance learning strategies, to develop the minds of our learners,” said acting Principal at Okiep High School, Juanita Cloete, who expressed her gratitude on behalf of the school management and staff.

Digital classroom technology, which requires Wi-Fi access, has been found to be particularly helpful for teaching high school STEM subjects as it is interactive and can project images by connecting to a computer. It allows the teachers to show subjects in a way that learners can more easily understand as the technology is more engaging.