Mobile classroom empowers 1000+ kids in Langa CT

The Atlas Digibus has project offically launched in January this year.  It was not without challenges as early on we realised that the solar panels had been damaged in transit and the bus had a few mechanical and electrical issues.  

Whilst the bus was being repaired, our head teacher, Lebo Mokoene and her team adapted the programme.  The primary goal of the morning programme is to support the five primary schools in Langa, with their learners transitioning from mother-tongue learning to English.  In order to ensure the children remained excited about learning (coming onto the bus and using computers has been extremely exciting for the kids), lessons were gamified to support what was being learnt in the classroom but in such a way that it remained fun. 

Whilst the mid-year tests have not shown huge improvements, several factors need to be taken into account, one being that many of the children do not have the fine motor skills to manage the keyboard and mouse on the laptops in the bus and this is a work in progress.  It means that the results of the tests may not be 100% accurate as even if the children knew the answers to questions, some may not have been able to complete the test due to having issues navigating the keyboard.  Whilst staff continue to assist those who struggle, it affects the measurement of the language programme.  With that said, children are conversing more comfortably in English and we anticipate that by the end of the year, at least 70% of learners will have improved from a Beginner level of understanding (basic or no understanding of English) to an Elementary level (Participates in simple exchange on familiar topics).  572 learners and 5 teachers are benefittign from this morning ESL programme.

In the afternoons, learners participate in an Extra- Maths programme using the engaging and stimulating Matific Maths programme.  Each learner has a personal login and can progress at their own level.  They can also use their login details on personal devices if they have these at home (phone or laptop) and can continue using the app offline which has been hugely beneficial for many of our children.  200 children have access to the after-school maths programme each week.

Whilst we had hoped to start a coding programme this year, this has now been defferred to next year due to the mechanical issues on the bus.  

Highlights:

• Langa School Teachers reported that they are incorporating skills, games & ideas learnt during the programme into their lessons.
• 85% of a sample survey (157 learners) reported improved English results in June exams
• 90,2% of sample survey (157 learners) reported improved Maths results.
• Despite the significant amount of time the bus was out of order, ALL 5 schools have requested that the programme continue which is testament to the value the programme is bringing to staff and learners.

Testemonials

• KwaneleMatikinca (Gr 4, 11yr)"I like that we read and write on the bus, the teachers help us do everything on the computers“
• AsikelelaMqushulo (Gr 4, 10yr)"On the bus, I learn about things that I don't know. I like the maths games and I want to come back on this bus in grade 5“
• Mrs Noveliso Head Teacher Zimasa: “This program has made me reflect on my own teaching style and think about how I can get the children to be excited for my lessons. Teaching and learning should be a joyous experience and I think we forget that sometimes”.

Thank you again for your support of this amazing project.

Links:

• Website