Cellphone teaching idea scores top marks
Now Kumaras Pillay, a mathematics teacher at Burnwood Secondary School in Overport, will represent South Africa at the global Innovative Teachers Award in Finland.
Pillay started developing the concept last year, assisted by Burnwood Secondary principal Vanesh Gokal and teacher P Pillay.
Known as mobile learner (MLearner), it enables Grade 11 and 12 pupils to access the subject syllabus, as well as past maths, science, biology, economics, geography and computer studies exam papers.
It also provides important information on the subjects.
Students can also access tests set by Pillay and Gokal to aid them in exams.
“This system uses cutting-edge technology, and we believe it should not be a privilege for any child to have, but a right. Our aim is to empower learners and teachers,” said Pillay.
MLearner also provides pupils with an interactive chat room, as well MSport, information on community and international sport.
Pillay said that he was prompted to start MLearner while working on his master’s degree in electronic and mobile technology.
Gokal, a science teacher who administers the school’s information technology, said the system was accessible by all cellphones.
Amar Singh, vice-chairman of the Parent Association KwaZulu-Natal, said the concept was a step forward for education.
“It is one big stride in education, as it is bringing textbooks to the kids. It also makes learning easier for students. Now they can’t say that they have lost their textbook,” said Singh.
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