On 13 August 2024, Unisa's Women in Research (WiR) community project, led by Prof Mpho-Entle Modise, made a significant impact on Willowridge High School by donating 80 used laptops as part of its commitment to enhancing educational resources and opportunities for learners.

Educators and project leaders displaying the laptops donated by Unisa

Modise is an associate professor in the Department of Curriculum and Instructional Studies (DCIS) within the College of Education (CEDU) at Unisa and a WiR community project leader.

Speaking at the presentation of the equipment, she detailed that the initiative aims to explore the integration of e-portfolios in teaching and learning, particularly in enhancing high school learners' educational experiences.

The other members of the project team are Prof Kelebogile Mudau, Khunjulwa Peter,  Xolani Majola, Moipone Masalesa, Lina Methi and Serra Kılıçaslan-Takva

Modise explained that since many first-year students at universities lack technology experience, introducing e-portfolios and educational technology at school level can prepare them for similar tools used in higher education.

What is an e-portfolio?

An e-portfolio is a digital learning space where learners co-create and share knowledge, assess each other's work, reflect and help each other. It is a space where they interact with content, technology, other learners and instructors. This is more than collecting and showcasing marked assignments or artefacts and storing them on whatever platform they use. An e-portfolio is about a community.

Modise said that "by integrating e-portfolios into classrooms, teachers can help learners prepare for higher education while benefiting from immediate advantages".

Prof Patience Mudau, acting Chair of Department: DCIS, commented on the significance of having the right resources for integrating information and communication technologies (ICTs) in the classroom.

She said that the donation of laptops not only provides essential tools for students but also aligns with the ongoing efforts to integrate technology into the educational experience.

Mudau continued: "As schools increasingly embrace digital learning, the availability of technology is crucial for developing 21^st-century skills among learners. The donated laptops will enable them to engage with educational resources, complete assignments and develop digital literacy skills that are essential for future success."

She encouraged educators to embrace artificial intelligence (AI) as a burgeoning digital opportunity.

In conjunction with the laptop donation, Unisa also hosted a training workshop on 20 May 2024 in collaboration with Microsoft.

Dr Jonas Kotoka (Willowridge High School Deputy Principal) and Prof Mpho-Entle Modise (ePortfolios project leader)

This workshop equipped approximately 25 teachers from Willowridge High School with vital skills and knowledge necessary for effectively utilising technology in their teaching practices.

Banele Mngqi from Microsoft provided comprehensive training on creating and managing e-portfolios using Microsoft SWAY, along with an introduction to the principles and applications of generative AI for teaching and learning.

This initiative aims to harness educational technology to foster innovative teaching approaches. By integrating e-portfolios (digital collections of student work), teachers can provide personalised learning experiences that encourage critical thinking and self-reflection.

Dr Jonas Kotota, Deputy Principal of Willowridge High School, played a crucial role in motivating and empowering teachers to attend workshops and fully participate in the research activities.

Modise expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration by stating, "This project not only aims to enhance educational practices through technology but also strives to empower teachers and students alike. The donation of laptops and the training provided to educators are steps towards achieving our goal of a more integrated and technology-savvy educational framework."

The event was supported and attended by Beyanca Struwig from Microsoft, and Moyahabo Mathosa, Head of the e-Learning Unit, Tshwane South District, Department of Basic Education, and her colleague, Seeng Sithole.

Key contributors to this donation were Letlhogonolo Mogopodi (Unisa: ICT) and Tiro Lentswe (Unisa: Finance Assets), along with their teams, who collaborated to ensure that the donated laptops were in excellent working order.

Unisa's contribution is expected to have a lasting positive impact on the high school community. As learners gain access to necessary technological resources and educators receive comprehensive training, the potential for improved academic outcomes increases significantly. This initiative reflects Unisa's dedication to fostering educational excellence and preparing the next generation for a rapidly changing world.

Members of the Department of Curriculum and Instructional Studies ePortfolios project team displaying some of the donated laptops

As the high school embarks on this journey of technological integration, the partnership between Unisa, Microsoft and the Department of Basic Education serves as a powerful example of how collaboration can lead to meaningful change in the field of education.

The hope is that other institutions will follow suit, recognising the importance of investing in both infrastructure and human capital to create a brighter future for South African learners.

* By Dineo Horner, Curriculum and Instructional Studies, College of Education