The initiative has been announced by the Gauteng Department of Education. A spokesperson, Panyaza Lesufi, told IT News Africa, that the new e-chalk board (SMART Kapp) will replace dry-erase boards in most schools in the province.
The SMART kapp capture boards are designed to allow students and teachers to collaborate more fully. The boards work by users writing or drawing on the capture board like any regular dry erase board. Following this, a Bluetooth-enabled mobile device can be connected to the capture board by scanning a Quick Response (QR) code (or alternatively by using a Near Field Communication tag). This process allows content to be shared.
Compatibly devices are those running the iOS and Android operating systems. Using this process, a teacher can write out and have it appear instantaneously on the students’ tablets. The technology also allows lessons to be saved as PDFs.
The commission for implementing the boards has been given to the company VastraTech. The first wave of boards will be fitted in Grade 12 classrooms across the Gauteng province. It is hoped the process will inspire students to engage more fully with lessons, as well as gaining a better understanding of the overall lesson.
Commenting on the project, Candice du Preez, Chief Strategic and Marketing Officer at VastraTech, said: “SMART kapp enhances that collaborative learning process by providing an incredibly simple walk-up-and-use experience while seamlessly connecting with smartphones and tablets. We’re confident that no other interactive flat panel for education offers so much magic, power and flexibility.”
