A technology-linked maths and science support programme was introduced at several schools in Mthatha on Friday.
The Integrated TouchTutor Support Programme, a three year project which is sponsored by the Capitec Foundation and managed by Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University's Govan Mbeki Mathematics Development Unit in conjunction with the Department of Basic Education, was formally launched at Mthatha High School.
It said the programme will be on Saturdays for 90 selected grade 10 to 12 learners from five schools and will take the form of an Incubator School Programme.
It further stated that it will also run a teacher Professional Learning Community support programme for 20 in-service mathematics teachers from 10 schools.
Umtata High School principal Siyakubonga Abraham said he has high hopes that the programme will improve maths and science marks but also boost the confidence among teachers.
Professor Werner Olivier, the head of GMMDU, said their main aim is to nurture learners and to improve their chances of getting into and being successful at universities.
The TouchTutor was created over five years, specifically for under-resourced schools where internet support is not an option and includes video lessons and PowerPoint lesson presentations which are aligned with the current curriculum for grade 10 to 12
"TouchTutor® resources combined with our Technology Assisted Peer Support (TAPS) approach has proved to be a very successful approach, which presents a modern and flexible offline scaffolding [support] platform for mathematics and physical science in secondary schools," said Olivier.
The Capitec Foundation first partnered with GMMDU three years ago, when a similar programme, which was hosted by Get Ahead College, was introduced in Queenstown schools.
"We are excited to extend our partnership with Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University's Govan Mbeki Mathematics Development Unit (GMMDU) and the Department of Basic Education, to Mthatha," said Carl Fischer, chairperson of the Capitec Foundation.
"Maths is a vital life skill as it enables learners to develop the ability to solve complex problems and be prepared for careers that requires these skills. The Integrated TouchTutor® Support Programme (ITSP), gives learners, especially those in rural areas, access to innovative, technology driven platforms to help them excel in maths, access tertiary education and get the skills to be employed and contribute to our economy.
"We hope the learners will benefit from this programme and wish them continued success,"
Deputy Chief Education Specialist for Mathematics Physical Sciences and Mathematical Literacy in the Mthatha district, Nozibele Siphambo, said the the programme is "a very good and progressive initiative".
"This programme promotes the love of maths and science … It provides fun in the process of learning."
