The Virtual Learning Project

The Virtual Learning Project was initiated in 4 schools in March 2012.  The aim of this project is to assist both Maths and English teachers to use an established, National Curriculum aligned, virtual curriculum in daily teaching. 

A carefully designed lesson-by-lesson curriculum is delivered via a Virtual Learning system which includes; a laptop, data-projector and sounds system, all housed in custom trolleys.  These trolleys are movable and lockable for ease of use and safe storage.  Each classroom has also been provided with a whiteboard and block-out curtaining.

‌Four schools, eight teachers and approximately 339 Grade 8 learners were involved in this project in 2012.  The four schools involved are all Section 20 or 21 schools in previously disadvantaged areas in Grahamstown.

All teachers are provided with extensive training in basic computer and internet skills as well as in the daily application of the curriculum in the classroom. 

In May 2012 baseline assessments were run in all participating classrooms.  The results were shocking and reinforced that there exists a real need for intervention at the Grade 8 level.  Average English marks were at 21% and Mathematics at just 16%.   By the end of this pilot year there has been notable and encouraging improvement: In Mathematics the average mark in November was 22% and in English 43%.  Though the marks remain low, teachers believe that this improvement can be directly related to utilising the Virtual Learning system.  Due to complications expected in a pilot year, many teachers were only able to begin using the system in the second half of the year.  In 2013 teachers will start the school year utilising the Virtual Learning system and we look forward to the significant impact this will make on marks as well as on the lives of the learners and teachers participating in this exciting project.