Off-grid African media lab opens pupils up to whole world PlatoBlockchain Data Intelligence. Vertical Search. Ai.

Off-grid African media lab opens pupils up to whole world

For years, the pupils of Mugoidwa Secondary School have endured an absence of educational facilities that many of use take as a given, such unlimited access to the internet, laptop computers and integrated technologies.

Now, thanks to forward-thinking staff at Stellenbosch University’s Centre for Renewable and Sustainable Energy, as well as Clevertouch Technologies and Interactive AV Solutions, they have access to their school’s newly constructed media lab, featuring an IMPACT interactive display, Chromebooks and solar panels.

Mugoidwa Secondary School, which is located deep in the rural province of Limpopo in South Africa, has benefited from a project by Stellenbosch University’s Centre for Renewable and Sustainable Energy Studies to assist schools in underprivileged areas in rural South Africa.

The centre created an off-the-grid media lab for the school, consisting of two 12m upcycled storage containers joined seamlessly to create a unified learning environment. The goal is to help bridge the gap between those who have access to knowledge and those who don’t.

Sampson Mamphweli, professor at Stellenbosch University, said: “The impact is massive, as the media lab is going to change the way teachers teach at school in line with the fourth industrial revolution. Previously, we had blackboards and people used to write with chalk – now we have smart screens.”

The lab is a sustainable off-the-grid container, powered by solar energy. Technology is in place to allow any extra power harnessed to supply the rest of the school, which reduces its overall energy bills.

The solar panels, inverters and batteries were all manufactured locally, putting resources back into the local community. With security a major concern, the lab was installed with super-tough polycarbonate windows, security cameras, tripwires, infrared sensors and alarms, and remote monitoring.

The use of the Clevertouch interactive IMPACT display and the Chromebooks allows students, some of whom have never used a computer before, to learn in completely new ways. They can now research, work with other schools, and access materials that would have been impossible with the previous facilities available.

Teachers are also empowered through the ability to connect to the internet and access resources freely and easily, particularly in subjects such as maths and sciences.

Ramulumo Richard, principal of Mugoidwa Secondary School, added: “Some of our learners will be touching laptops for the first time in their entire lives. Their village mentality will be removed now because this will expose them to the whole world and they will be able to interact with learners from other countries.”

Software included with the interactive display facilitates the teaching process, with hundreds of educational apps available through Cleverstore, as well as pre-created lessons via LYNX Whiteboard.

Combined with the access to the Google Education Suite via both the Chromebooks and the IMPACT display, the students have access to an unlimited amount of content.

John Ginty, EMEA sales director for Clevertouch Technologies, said: “It was an honour to be a part of this project, which we hope can inspire others to embark on innovative projects to help disadvantaged young people fulfil their dreams and aspirations.”

Justin Cooke, CEO of Interactive AV Solutions, added: Stellenbosch University decided on Clevertouch due to its integration with Chrome devices and ease of use. We were also able to deliver ahead of schedule, which ensured the school started the new year with a brand new media lab and new opportunities.”

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