Empowering Educators with a New WhatsApp Chatbot for Coding and Robotics in South Africa
In a groundbreaking initiative aimed at revolutionizing education in South Africa, a new WhatsApp Chatbot has been launched to empower Grade R through Grade 7 teachers. This innovative tool is designed to equip educators with the necessary skills to teach the newly introduced Coding and Robotics curriculum, preparing them for its wider implementation across public schools. The project represents a significant leap toward modernizing the country’s education system.
This initiative is part of the Tangible Africa Teacher Support Program, a collaborative effort between Tangible Africa, Leva Foundation, and a group of experienced educational professionals. Their goal? To transform how teachers engage with coding and robotics, focusing on skills crucial for navigating today’s digital world.
Interestingly, the push for coding and robotics was first announced by the Department of Basic Education (DBE) back in 2019. The integration of these subjects into the national curriculum was officially recognized in June 2021, with the DBE emphasizing that this move is vital for nurturing digital literacy among learners from a young age. As technology continues to evolve, adapting education accordingly is essential—not just for the students, but for the future of the nation.
Prof. Jean Greyling, the founder of Tangible Africa and an associate professor at Nelson Mandela University, highlights the inclusiveness of this program. “This initiative is completely free and is tailored to meet the parameters of the CAPS Coding and Robotics curriculum. Importantly, it is designed for teachers who may not have prior coding experience,” she explains.
Ryan le Roux, CEO of Leva Foundation, echoes this sentiment, emphasizing the accessibility of the program. “Our approach is crafted for South African schools, many of which face challenges such as limited resources, internet connectivity, or even electricity. The WhatsApp Chatbot addresses these concerns as it enables real-time communication, which is far more effective than traditional email correspondence,” he states.
Teachers can easily follow the weekly lessons provided by the Chatbot and can also offer feedback or ask questions, enhancing their learning experience. The Tangible Africa website facilitates easy access, providing a direct link to WhatsApp for engaging with these resources.
Looking ahead, Jackson Tshabalala, Engagement Manager for Tangible Africa, pointed out that the future of this project relies heavily on teacher participation. “The success and scaling of the initiative will depend significantly on how many educators register and actively incorporate these lessons into their classrooms,” he noted.
This initiative not only seeks to empower teachers but also aims to ensure that South African students are well-prepared for a fast-evolving tech landscape. As coding and robotics become increasingly integral to various industries, initiatives like this mark promising steps toward creating a digitally literate generation ready to thrive in the modern world.
Tags: #WorldNews #Technology #Education #SouthAfrica
