Supporting better maths and science teaching
Innovative new technology is being harnessed to teach mathematics and science at high schools in Nelson Mandela Bay. Isuzu Motors South Africa has partnered with Nelson Mandela University's Govan Mbeki Mathematics Development Centre (GMMDC) to provide innovative new teaching tools to three Port Elizabeth schools. Isuzu corporate communications manager Gishma Johnson said the latest development centre programme enabled maths and science teachers to teach, revise and tutor pupils through a new mobile teaching device, called Gamma Tutor, and curriculum-aligned TouchTutor® software that did not require any internet connection in class. “Integrating technology into teaching is the way learning will take place in future. Maths and science are critical subjects for graduates who seek employment in the automotive industry, and we are therefore proud to be associated with this pilot project,” she said. The three beneficiary schools are Paterson High School in Schauderville, Newell High School in New Brighton and Cilie High School in Sidwell. GMMDC director Prof Werner Olivier said the teachers in the pilot schools had been exposed to the centre’s maths and science support programmes, which would provide for an expected seamless integration of the new technology. “The programme will be used by the teachers to deliver and support the Curriculum Assessment Policy Statement (Caps) for maths grades 8-12 and physical sciences grades 10-12. TouchTutor® also serves as a maths and science after-hours support platform, and a secondary free application on mobile devices will also be made available to the learners of the pilot schools,” Olivier said. In addition to teacher training and support, each school will receive 10 Gamma Tutor devices – each with a wireless mouse, two data projectors, maths content, PowerPoint lessons and pupil guides to support the use of the TouchTutor® digital package. TouchTutor® is part of a unique offline techno-blended teaching and learning model for maths and sciences education that have been developed under the leadership of Olivier since 2010. “The GMMDC developed the TouchTutor® application and related support models for teachers and learners over many years, first on DVDs and then in-house to android platforms. The technology is unique in a number of ways, but brings offline, structured and interactive learning through the techno-blended model,” Olivier said. While all this learning takes place in the classroom, content video lessons and other simulations have been designed for after-hours pupil practice, revision and support. A second free TouchTutor® quiz application will be used via pupils’ cellphones for maths curriculum support and maths competitions among pupils in the three schools. In addition to supporting the TouchTutor® programme, Isuzu Motors South Africa previously donated 20 computers and 50 monitors for use in the GMMDC’s mathematics and physical science engagement projects. GMMDC’s mission is to develop and implement innovative technoblended models to improve the quality of teaching and learning of maths and physical sciences in secondary schools and TVET colleges.