Congratulations to this wonderful school and wonderful principal – and of course the team of Khanya facilitators, coordinators and project managers!

What I notice in the photograph is that every child appears to be on task – engaging meaningfully with the work they have been given.

Thank you for sharing with us this example of passion and dedication to teaching.

I agree with the thought, to lead by example. Just today when visiting a school, the principal was asked a question about the use of technology in the school and we were referred to the project champion. She was immediately encouraged to take the lead and be the manager of ICT in her school if she wants the integration of technology into the curriculum delivery process to succeed.

Congratulations to this principal and thank you for sharing this with us.

I am all for using technology in education and utilising the computer facilities that have been installed. However, it should not become a case of the tail wagging the dog. Education is not only about using technology. Tecnology should be used when it adds value to education and not just for the sake of using technology.

I am not saying this is what is happening here. It is just a thought I felt is worth sharing lest we have a wrong concept of ICT in education.

[...] In South Africa (and elsewhere!), “if the principal sets the lead, technology can succeed in a school.” [...]

Great entry. I just wish that more principals would realize the difference they can make by taking the lead in ICT. How can we make more of them aware of this? How can we get them to visit this blog and comment? Would it not be great to hear what they have to say?

Thanks Kobus, for getting us to think…

This is so true! I hope many principals and leaders out there will read this and see what kind of impact they can have on their schools. Leading by example is so important especially if you are a principal!

Thembalethu Primary – yes “our hope” is a Principal who is ICT Literate, Compatible and Setting the Pace in the Digital Cyberspace Race.

What we also must “hope” for is that the rest of the school, staff and learners must follow the principal !

So maybe more schools must change their school’s motto / name.The principal must be “our hope” to get technology going in our schools.

“Our hope” within Khanya should be to “enlighten” the principal so that he / she can become the bulb in the lab that shines daily.

Maybe, Laptops first to principals, then to the educators later.

Albie Thembalethu Homba

It is the easiest task to point a donor to a school where the technology is used optimally. The receipt of success involves the main ingredient – the Principal!

CTPA motto says “Teach by Example”. This is a great example of how this relates to a school.
The principal forms the backbone to any successful project at a school, in this case the use of technology in Education.
At most e-schools where the use of available technology is not utilized maximally, the problem is the lack of an enthusiastic Principal. This does not always mean that the Principal has to be an expert in using Technology, but he has to show a keen interest in the use of the computer lab as well as the quality of lab usage.
Viva Thembalthu Primary!!

This commitment shows that the principal is in touch with the school by being visible,accessible and on the forefront of ICT integration. He is definitely not like some of his peers who are either never at school or always in the office behind closed doors with the secretary as the combination lock.

As much as I understand your point of view there is the issue of providing basic essentials for pupils in SA. There are still schools I know of in the Eastern Cape which have no running water and no toilets. And no electricity.

If I were Minister of Education, I would make this kind of provision my priority.

I am the facilitator at this school, and I just want to mention that since day one I already knew that the project at this school will be a success. They made it their own, and the principal played the leading role. Although they are already an e-School,and I am only visiting the school once a term, I am confident that everything will be fine at this school. Most importantly: they are not just visiting the lab, they are using it constructivelt. Each educator are very well prepared.
Congratulations Thembalethu, I am very proud of you!!

I would like to thank Kobus Van Wyk and the khanya team for the smart interactive electronic whiteboards.This will enhance our teaching and learning proccess.I have started using them.

My staff-members are so excited and are keenly waiting for the training sessions.

Keep up the good work!

Kenneth, you deserve any technology we throw at your school! From the comments made thus far on this posting it should be clear to you how much your example is valued by people around the globe. We are proud to have you as one of our principals.

[...] When the principal takes the lead … [...]

COPYCAT. I wannabe a copycat. I wish to apply good practice in my work. I find that I often do not have be be the smartest or most creative – just diligent and CONSISTENT. SOoooooooooooooooooo I COPY. WHy not?
If something works and is good – I COPY.

Dear KOBUS, the Khanya lab should have come with a knanya teacher to ensure its suatainability and to keep in touch with your add-in approach to teachnology.

Dear KOBUS, the Khanya lab should have come with a knanya teacher to ensure its suatainability and to keep in touch with your add-in approach to teachnology.

Dear Colleague,

I am very encourged by your hands on approach and innovative spirit. You some how shame those of us who are more advantaged in terms of facilities that are currently available for use by educators and staff. I would appreciate it if we could link up and start to engage on matters of muatual interest

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