This past Thursday (15 Oct 2009), Siyavula conducted a follow-up Connexions technical training at John Pama Primary School, located in the Nyunga township of the Western Cape.
Teachers from a number of surrounding primary and high schools attended the event and shared feedback about their experiences using the Connexions platform. Quinton Davis led a discussion about the importance of building Communities of Practice within schools, and about how these Communities of Practice can work in concert with school administrators and groups from other schools to share learning materials, computer/internet resources and advocacy solutions. Quinton also advised teachers on how to approach school administrators for help in the team building process.
Neels van der Westhuizen reviewed the steps to join and work within Connexions workgroups. Many teachers still echoed the obstacle of lack of internet and computer access at their schools, making access to the Connexions platform difficult. With the end of the school term approaching, many also acknowledged that their schedules had not permitted them as much time as they would have liked to work on the Connexions site. However, all teachers acknowledged the inherent benefit of gathering together in groups to troubleshoot and share learning materials. Some of the teachers performed searches for specific material relating to their subject which they required for upcoming lessons and downloaded it for use in the classroom.
Siyavula will continue to offer follow-up technical trainings to any teacher or Community of Practice who requests one. These teachers, along with all the educators involved in the August Connexions weekend intensive, will be invited for a end of the year wrap-up Siyavula event on November 21st.