Product and Service Offering

The Skills Development Foundation will offer its products and services via the computer laboratories of the identified focus schools. Each learner will gain personal access to these via the intranet of the educational institution.

Our product and service offering are divided in two sections:

Learners | Teachers

Learners will be provided with:

1. Future Island (Grade 8 – 12) / Urban Quest(Grade 4 - 7)

This computer-based learning program, designed by Leaf Educational Designs, is interactive, fun and easy-to-use. It looks and feels like a computer game and combines specialised content with the latest 2D and 3D technologies and cutting-edge learning principles. This synergy makes the products extremely effective. Once learners start learning with one of our products, they will not want to stop! Innovative virtual learning spaces draw learners into worlds of wonder and fantasy. Through the incorporation of role-identity, learners are transformed into superlearners. The software does not simply provide content. Content is mediated through active learning principles. In addition, learners are motivated to apply what they have learnt to real life.

Future Island and Urban Quest are leading e-learning and m-learning products in educational software. Future Island is focused on learners in secondary school, while Urban Quest assists primary school learners. They have been developed by specialists to enhance and maintain essential learning-, life- and entrepreneurial skills necessary for success in primary, secondary and tertiary education.

These skills include: left and right brain integration; effective listening, writing and reading; memorisation and recollection; summary and exam techniques; stress management, problem-solving; communication; concentration; logic and creativity; time management; planning and goal-setting. 32 hours of intensive training also address preparation for tertiary studies; career-planning; entrepreneurship; coping with change; relationships; drugs; HIV/AIDS and conflict.

Click here for more detail on the product content

In addition those learners who have access to personal computers will receive access to a home installation of Future Island or Urban Quest

2. EduMotion

EduMotion is an educational motivation system managed and implemented by Leaf Educational Designs. It rewards learners for the successful application of their newly acquired skills to their schoolwork. EduMotion incentives are offered to learners who submit examples of their work which demonstrate the application of different techniques or study methods to current schoolwork. The best example of the featured method will be awarded that quarter’s incentive – either cash, a laptop, iPod, PlayStation, cellular phone or bursary. The only provision is that the work submitted is CURRENT work being done at school, as learners are meant to be applying the techniques and skills to their schoolwork on a daily basis.

3. Quarterly seminars

Interpersonal training by Leaf Educational Designs’ specialists: Quarterly seminars, presented to learners at the various educational institutions, offer detailed explanations and training on specific skills. For example, teachers and learners would focus on HIV/AIDS awareness during the third quarter, while Revision, Time Management, Examination Techniques are important during the fourth quarter.

These seminars ensure that all learners are sufficiently informed with up-to-date knowledge and encourage learner participation in order to maximise product and service benefits.

4. Weblessons

WebLessons enables learners, via an easy-to-use, web-based management system, to transpose the maze of online information into a safe and structured learning environment. It is developed and managed by E-learning Systems International. For learners, WebLessons is a fun and engaging tool which co-ordinates an entire curriculum learning experience into a single, elegant interface. WebLessons are available in the following subject areas:

• Physical Science
• Chemistry
• Life Science and Biology
• Earth Science and Geography
• South African History and World History
• EMS

Other subject areas are to join the rapidly expanding content base.

TOP

Teachers will be provided with:

1. Interactive curriculum support

Interactive Curricular Support is provided via an interactive, electronic curriculum developed by Interactive Curriculum Service (ICS). This e-curriculum offers teachers learning modules, teaching guides, phase-learning programmes, consultation and curriculum services.

The ICS system contributes teaching support material that complements teaching by teachers, to produce quality learners. It includes:

• Learning content of a high standard for all learning areas from grade R to grade 9
• Mechanisms for assessment
• Teaching guides and memorandums
• Templates for phased learning programmes, work schedules and lesson plans
• Curriculum support service

The benefits for the teacher include:

• Fewer administrative tasks
• Development of curriculum skills
• Learning material designed in accordance with the National Curriculum Statement
• Opportunities to include own content
• Application of practical and meaningful assessment
• Regular updates of existing learning material

2. Weblessons

WebLessons enables teachers, via an easy-to-use, web-based management system, the ability to transpose the maze of online information into a structured learning framework within their learning area.

WebLessons is a robust learning management system (LMS) that provides:

• Comprehensive lesson guides packed with subject information and standards correlation
• Complete online class and student management capabilities
• Online lesson assignment and grading
• Online messaging and student feedback

WebLessons also includes additional administrative functionality for educational institutions and administrators, including permitting various utilisation reports.

TOP