South Africa’s education system is often dissected unfavourably, but there’s great potential for growth and improvement in the field of digital learning.

Digital learning puts devices like iPads into the hands of learners, allowing them to access the information that they’re consuming directly and efficiently.

That said, providing learners with technology to aid in their education is a pointless exercise if their teachers don’t know how to use it.

That’s why Apple is stepping in with some innovative solutions, reports BusinessTech.

As one of only three certified Apple trainers to deliver the iOS deployment courses in South Africa, Alan Goldberg, Director of Education at Apple Premium Reseller Digicape, believes that while technology plays an important role in addressing critical education challenges, equipped educators are needed to guide the process.

“In answer to this, Apple launched Apple Teacher, a free, professional learning programme designed to support and upskill teachers,” says Goldberg.

Educators are transforming the learning experience by giving students any time access to educational content on personal devices. Digicape makes it possible by providing the right products, training and support.

So far, they’ve partnered with more than 120 schools nationally, from tiny pilot projects to large Apple 1:1 rollout, which has seen over 550 Macs and 700 iPads implemented in a single school.

This is part of Apple’s drive to support educators so that they can unlock the full capabilities of their technology and teach learners the relevant skills they need to thrive – even beyond the classroom.

Initially available in countries such as Switzerland, France and Denmark, South Africa has become the first African country to offer the programme to educators who make use of iPad and MacBook.

“Demonstrating to educators what is possible  –  rather than expecting them to be technical gurus  –  is the first step towards empowering them to become skilled facilitators of learning.”

Apple Teacher consists of a series of online courses that provide teachers with various tools and knowledge to create innovative and immersive learning experiences.

These courses range from teaching educators how to unlock creativity in learners (through the use of apps such as Keynote and GarageBand), to teaching coding.

Goldberg explains that the aim of the programme is to help educators get the most from Apple technology at every point in the learning journey.

“Teachers are able to test their new skills by taking a number of interactive quizzes in the Apple Teacher Learning Centre. Teachers earn a badge when a quiz is successfully completed, and once they’ve completed all quizzes they’re officially recognised as Apple Teachers. This accolade can be added to CVs as an indication of proficiency.”

Who doesn’t want an extra line on their CV?

Kudos to Digicape, South Africa’s largest independent Apple retailer.

For more info on their educator-focused initiatives, or to browse their range of Apple products, visit their website.

[source:businesstech]