The name Khanya is derived from a Xhosa language word meaning "to let the light shine", "to brighten", or "to illuminate". The Khanya project was established in 2001 by the Western Cape Education Department in South Africa to provide computer technology to schools. The objective was to use the technology as an illumination tool during the curriculum delivery process.

I had the privilege of being involved in this project from the start. Over the years I had many illuminations regarding the potential benefits of ICT in education. In e-culture terms, I received many e-luminations. The purpose of this blog is to present my personal e-luminations to all who have an interest in education, technology, or both. You are invited to add your comments and insights.

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      • Ostrich heads
        03/28/08
        The previous posting suggested that if you bury your head in the sand it means that you are not prepared to face reality.



        To put computers in schools seems to be the right thing to do. It is done in the belief that these computers will enhance teaching and learning.

      • Are our heads in the sand?
        03/26/08
        The expression “to bury one’s head in the sand” originated in the belief that ostriches hide their heads in the sand or bushes when faced with attack by predators.

        This is a myth. It is true that ostriches sometimes lie on the ground to make themselves inconspicuous, but there is no tr

      • Piggly Wiggly schools
        03/21/08
        The first self-service grocery store opened in Memphis, USA in 1916: the name of the store was Piggly Wiggly.

        Before Piggly Wiggly, and all the other supermarkets that followed, a person would go to a grocery store and ask the clerk behind the counter what was needed. The clerk would then

      • Up to date or out of date?
        03/18/08
        One of the objections against the use of the internet in schools is that it is impossible to verify the reliability of the information it contains. Anyone can publish information without a guarantee of its correctness. It is therefore argued that the internet has the potential to misinform learner

      • Sticky fingers
        03/14/08
        A huge investment is made in computer facilities in schools. All should be encouraged to care for these facilities: teachers, as well as learners.

        One simple way to care for the facility is to keep it clean. Consider this picture that was taken recently in one of our schools.

      • More objections to computers
        03/10/08
        In Friday's posting a number of reasons were listed why some people believe that it is not a good idea to have computers in schools.

        When it is suggested that computers can take over a part of the teaching role of teachers, even more protestations are heard. Consider the following

      • Objections or challenges?
        03/07/08
        There are many good reasons why ICT facilities should be provided to schools. There are also many arguments against it. Consider the following:

        • Computers are dangerous to the general health of learners; monitors emit dangerous radiation.

        • The continuous use of computers is

      • Lapelephants
        03/03/08
        A few weeks ago it was reported that the national minister of education wants every one of South Africa's 340 000 educators to have a laptop. She intends to squeeze the Treasury for funding before the end of the year.

        Why does she want to do this? According to the reports, she sa

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