Digital Skills

Empowering Africa’s Future Through the Mandela Day Coding Tournament

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As the African continent gears up to commemorate the annual Mandela Day, there’s palpable anticipation in the air, particularly among those connected to Tangible Africa. This non-profit organization’s flagship event, the Mandela Day Coding Tournament, is poised to make a significant splash.

The tournament had an impressive engagement with 6,000 participants across South Africa the previous year. However, the event this year is poised to eclipse that record. Tangible Africa aims to host nearly 100 coding tournaments, an ambitious endeavour expected to draw more than 10,000 learners from different regions.

With the steadfast support of the primary sponsor, AWS InCommunities, and increasing participation from regional sponsors recognizing the initiative’s potential, Tangible Africa is strategically positioned to stage possibly the world’s largest Mandela Day event.

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Teaching Coding and Robotics Intermediate Phase

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Developing such skills around Coding and Robotics at an early age prepares young learners for a technology-driven world and nurtures problem-solving abilities and creativity. As a result, schools are eager to integrate these subjects into their curriculum, particularly during the Intermediate Phase.

Introducing coding and robotics in the classroom may initially appear daunting, but creating engaging and fun learning experiences is possible with the right tools and strategies. Educators should prioritise a practical approach, utilising hands-on activities that promote learner exploration and collaboration. Moreover, they must recognise that teaching these subjects entails fostering an environment of patience, encouragement and adaptability.

Educators can incorporate a variety of resources, such as online platforms, visual programming tools and programmable robots, to aid in teaching learners about the fundamentals of coding and robotics. By starting with the basics, progressively building upon concepts, and allowing learners to experiment with their creations, it’s likely that young learners will develop an abiding interest in these fields, setting them up for future success.

Make sure to select the right robotics kit for Intermediate Phase learners

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Developing Essential Digital Skills for Teachers in South Africa

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The modern educational landscape is rapidly evolving due to technological advancements. Teachers are not just educators but also key players in integrating technology into classrooms. The ICT Skills Every Teacher Should Have project, spearheaded by Matt Hains and myself, aims to address the essential digital skills educators need in South Africa through a blended learning course. This course comes with step-by-step guidelines covering a range of relevant digital skills for teachers and students, coupled with a face-to-face SACE-endorsed workshop.

The Need for Technological Proficiency

In a world shaped by AI, IoT, and cloud computing, technological proficiency is no longer a luxury but a necessity. These skills are paramount for teachers in managing classes, developing professional competencies, and enhancing student learning experiences. Establishing a baseline of skills helps schools align teacher abilities for maximum educational and technological efficacy.

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