E-learning

Merensky introduced blended learning (e-learning) with tablets in 2016.

Each learner has to supply an Android tablet. Research proved that Samsung provides the fastest access, therefore we suggest that you consider Walton’s in Tzaneen who offer specials on three options.

The accidental damage warranty on Merensky tablets will not be renewed in 2017. Merensky will still service the existing tablets for the next few years.

The Classroom Management Application must be bought for R250 (payable at the financial office) and installed by learners who did not do so in 2016.

The Department of Education has decided that all ex-model C schools now need to buy their own textbooks, which makes tablets only becoming more important. The Grade 12 English Language prescribed books Hamlet and Dorian Gray is available for free on the Internet.

Teachers are preparing the first lessons for 2017 to ensure that blended learning forms part of teaching. Our focus is on grades 8 to 10 for the compulsory incorporation of integrated learning. Tablets are the future of education and we rely on our parents' understanding and support to overcome the unexpected problems in the system.

Download the LMS Information Booklet 

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Stay up to date with the progress of e-learning in the school:
(November 2016)

The positive:

• A 20 Mbps internet line has been installes in the school.
• A Ruckus Wi-Fi network (internationally regarded as one of the two best systems in the world) covers the whole school.
• The iPortal (programme with learning materials and research resources) is installed.
• The teachers are trained to incorporate e-learning in their lessons.

The challenge:

• We're not where we hoped to be.
• The service provider who sold us the system had failed to say that their LMS (Learner Management System) has not been developed in full.
• We struggled with the LMS system for all the functions did not work quickly and efficiently.
• The service provider must provide qualified technicians to assist with the implementation of the system, but the first three were inexperienced and did not receive the support and necessary training of the service provider.
• The tablets that were sold to us as Samsung tablets have only few parts that were Samsung parts and consequently the tablets were slow and learners could not return their responses to the teacher.
• The teachers, students and parents were discouraged with the system that does not work smoothly.

What did the school do to address the issue:

• We appointed Frikkie Terblanche after three disappointments regarding technicians, and only now we have someone who really give the technical support we need.
• We canceled the contract with the service provider.
• We reaffirmed our cooperation agreement with Sunward Park. They made all their e-learning lessons freely available to us. We have already received 1,870 lessons from them.

The way forward:

• Each child must provide his/her own tablet.
• We work only with Android devices and research has shown that Samsung provides the fastest access. We would like to advise you to buy a Samsung tablet for your child.
• At this stage, Bidvest Walton's have specials on three different Samsungs - be sure to go and have a look and decide what suits you pocket/taste.
• The "accidental damage warranty" is not renewed. Merensky will still restore the existing tablets for the next few years.
• The Department of Education has decided that all ex-model C schools now need to buy their own textbooks, which makes tablets only becoming more important.
• The Grade 12 English Language prescribed books Hamlet and Dorian Gray is available for free on the Internet.
• Teachers are preparing the first lessons for 2017 to ensure that blended learning forms part of teaching. Our focus is on grades 8 to 10 for the compulsory incorporation of integrated learning.

Tablets are the future of education and we rely on our parents' understanding and support to overcome the unexpected problems in the system.