May 2021.

The programme that funded the roll-out of Smart Boards in the two Loeriesfontein schools, has increased three-fold. The project, funded by Khobab Wind Farm, that commenced in late 2019 in response to a request from Loeriesfontein Primary School and Loeriesfontein High School, for seven Smart Boards, has now provided a total of 33 of these interactive learning devices that are a fixture in modern classrooms.

The smartboards, initially used for Mathematics and Science are now being used for all subjects across Grade 1 to Grade 12. These technologically enhanced apparatuses add more learning opportunities to the existing traditional classroom setup. In fact, educators across the country view this equipment as the main focal point of the class, as they instantly draw learners’ attention.

“We envisage that this new technology will help improve the academic results of learners and augment the quality of teaching. It enhances the learning environment, with studies indicating that using this technology in classrooms boosts attentiveness, enhances literacy and increases comprehension,” explained Vanessa Fredericks, Economic Development Manager for Loeriesfontein Wind Farm and Khobab Wind Farm.

A Smart Board is an interactive whiteboard that can project images by connecting to a computer. It allows teachers to show subjects in a way that learners can understand easier as the technology is more engaging, additionally the boards are touch screens, so you can use your fingers to move things around on it and they come with different coloured pens that you write with on the board.

This forms part of the Loeriesfontein Wind Farm and Khobab Wind Farm’s focus on education, which includes the funding of foundation phase and maths and science teachers, skills training, literacy and a maths numeracy programme.