Makhabane Letsie is a Grade 11 pupil at Meadowlands Technical High School.
South Africa’s education system is often said to be outdated, failing to equip learners with an adequate amount of life skills for their post-matric endeavours, whether they go straight into the workforce or choose to further their education in tertiary institutions. In my opinion, multiple studies confirm what we as learners already see: students from schools with outdated curricula tend to struggle and are more likely not to succeed in the course or trade they choose to pursue.
As students, we need not only to be taught the basic curriculum, but also to be given a chance to enhance the real-life problem-solving skills needed to prepare for the challenges of the twenty-first century. In my view, the future of education depends on our ability to use technology, not just as a tool, but as a driver of real change.
The use of technology in classrooms has the ability to broaden the educational landscape in South Africa’s education system. We also need to understand that while technology can be more than just a tool, it is not the sole solution to our current educational status; rather, it is a means of improving it. From my perspective, the use of technology in schools should benefit both educators and students without becoming a distraction from the main goal: South African schools reaching their peak of excellence.
To reach such a goal, transformation in the system is necessary. It has to adapt to prepare learners for this highly technology-dependent world, a world we as students will soon be fully exposed to, which is why it would be immensely beneficial for us to be equipped and ready.
I am currently a Grade 11 student at Meadowlands Technical High School, and together with many other students, I have witnessed firsthand the great outcomes that technology can produce. This is especially clear through the mathematics and science Capitec Foundation program that our school offers and strongly encourages us to partake in.
I am still new at the school, but what I have observed so far is that Meadowlands is doing well in this program because the students are motivated and actively participate. In my assessment, this brings a completely different level of confidence to students toward their studies. It introduces a different style of learning that is much more independent, allowing students to apply their minds and understand concepts fully.
Technology has the power to open doors to unimaginable opportunities, bridging the gap between urban and rural schools to provide quality education regardless of location.
The use of technology for teaching and learning has been proven by many to be an effective way of educating, representing a great step toward the future. However, in my opinion, this does not stop it from raising valid concerns about affordability and availability. These problems are precisely what slow the transformation of the current education system into a digital one.
There are certain initiatives that schools or the Department of Basic Education can take. In my view, these should involve collaborating with private sector partners, especially technology companies, to help schools revolutionize and enter the digital world.
Technology is no longer for only the fortunate few, nor is it a luxury; it is now a necessity. In my opinion, it has become the baseline norm. Using technology in South African classrooms can make learning far more effective and engaging, while allowing us to gain vital skills such as digital literacy, creative thinking, and innovation all at once.
I firmly believe that South Africa is due for an upgrade. The system needs to change, and that change is not only for us, but for generations to come. It should start right now by preparing its youth for the future.
Makhabane Letsie, Grade 11, Meadowlands Technical High School.
