Workshop Hosted by Bianca Johnson from Ninja Unicorn Online
Bridging the Digital Divide
The Michaelhouse Community Partnerships, together with Eduhelpers and Bianca Johnson, recently hosted an insightful workshop focused on equipping Eduhelpers with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate the ever-evolving digital landscape. These schools grapple with limited resources, unreliable internet access, and a lack of digital literacy among both students and teachers. The workshop directly addressed these challenges, aiming to empower educators to effectively integrate technology into their classrooms while prioritizing ethical considerations and safety measures. This initiative is particularly crucial for the 16 footprint schools supported by the partnership, which face significant hurdles in providing modernized education.
Workshop Highlights
| 1. The Ethics of AI: The moral implications of AI, addressing bias, fairness, and accountability in algorithms were explained. Discussions focused on responsible AI development and deployment and the dangers of plagiarism. | 2. Internet Essentials: A comprehensive overview of internet infrastructure, connectivity options, and essential online tools provided practical guidance on accessing and utilizing online resources effectively. |
| 3. Internet Safety: Critical strategies for staying safe online, including identifying and avoiding online scams, protecting personal information, and promoting responsible online behaviour were emphasized. | 4. Data Protection: Understanding data privacy principles and regulations, such as GDPR and POPIA including best practices for collecting, storing, and using data responsibly. |
5. Advantages and Disadvantages of Using AI:
A balanced perspective on the benefits and drawbacks of integrating AI into education. How AI can personalize learning: automate administrative tasks and provide valuable insights, while also addressing concerns about job displacement and algorithmic bias were explained
Addressing the Digital Divide: Challenges and Solutions
The workshop acknowledged the significant challenges faced by the 16 footprint schools in bridging the digital divide. These include:
- Limited Access to Technology: Insufficient devices and unreliable internet connectivity hinder effective technology integration.
- Lack of Digital Literacy (curriculum): Many teachers and students lack the necessary skills to utilize technology effectively.
- Resource Constraints: Limited funding restricts the ability to invest in infrastructure, training, and ongoing support.
To address these challenges, the Michaelhouse Community Partnerships and Eduhelpers are committed to:
- Providing ongoing training and support: Equipping educators with the skills and knowledge they need to confidently integrate technology into their teaching practices.
- Advocating for increased investment in digital infrastructure: Working with stakeholders to improve internet connectivity and access to devices in under-resourced communities.
Developing culturally relevant digital resources: Creating educational materials that are tailored to the specific needs and contexts of the footprint schools.
Conclusion
The Michaelhouse Community Partnerships and Eduhelpers workshop represents a crucial step towards empowering educators and students to understand and cope with the digital age. By addressing the ethical considerations, promoting online safety, and providing practical skills, this initiative aims to bridge the digital divide and create a more equitable and inclusive education system for all.
- Should you have an interest in assisting us in this regard please contact the CPT office at: cpt@michaelhouse.org
- If you have access to second-hand computers, data projectors, tablets and the like please contact at the above email address.
- If you’d like to donate to school’s EdTech infrastructure DONATE HERE
