Richard Vara Technical School in Dimbaza received a smart new classroom donated by education technology company Nudle XR. It is equipped with cutting-edge technology.
The classroom, handed over on Friday, includes eight holographic displays and virtual reality (VR) headsets, designed for specific subjects such as engineering graphic designs, electrical technology, mechanical fitting and machines, automotive and biology.
The technology uses augmented reality and artificial intelligence (AI) to create immersive simulated teaching lessons, giving students first-hand experience of the subject matter.
Ubukho Silwana, a grade 12 pupil, said it would enhance learning and help pupils improve their matric pass rate.
“Previously, we had practical workshops, but we did not have the time or equipment to see and learn the actual specifics,” he said.
Silwana said the smart classroom would offer practical classes, making it easier to grasp specific subjects.
He also highlighted the risk of vandalism, calling on community members to work together to protect the equipment and ensure education was not compromised by criminals.
CEO Duren Munsami, of Nudle XR, said the company focused on education technology which combined virtual experience with advanced learning theory, data science and 3D modelling.
“With extended reality education, learners can immerse themselves in the lesson to get first-hand experience of the subject matter,” Munsami said.
He said the equipment was designed for specific subjects. The software is designed to run on a PC, interactive displays, and other VR/AR devices, and includes functions such as file sharing, virtual presentation, customisable training courses and 3D real-life avatars.
Munsami said this was the first school in SA to receive this equipment, and they planned to expand this throughout the country.
Extended reality education would revolutionise higher education, offering powerful ways to engage with students and their fields of study.
MEC Fundile Gade said the department of education had adopted a three-streamed model four years ago to diversify the curriculum and change the outlook of the schooling system.
“We want to focus on the skills education system, which enables pupils to be more practical, and to participate in the economy within a short space of time.
“We chose Richard Vara because it is a technical school, so we want to integrate the content of technical subjects within the Fourth Industrial Revolution that we, as a global village, are engaged in.”
The department engaged with Nudle in 2022 to enhance and empower the e-learning strategy of the province, with a focus on technical subjects within the 4IR.
Buffalo City Municipality deputy mayor Princess Faku urged communities to protect facilities from vandalism and cable theft.
“We have observed an escalation of electrical cable theft and vandalism of municipal infrastructure, particularly during load-shedding. I urge communities to work with the metro to protect facilities,” Faku said.
She said the municipality was working with the National Treasury to implement alternative energy sources, including a 15MVA battery storage plant near the Woodbrook substation and a possible solar plant in Ntabozuko.
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