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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      • How to be an expert
        11/29/07
        We would like all our teachers to be ICT experts. Unfortunately many do not reach this point.

        Could this graph, borrowed from another blog, be of any use? The blog entry, as well as its numerous associated comments, provides a lot of food for thought.



        What co

      • Caution: Falling rocks
        11/27/07
        The topic of teachers who are reluctant to embrace technology as a teaching tool is one of ongoing debate.

        Why will a teacher not use a tool that is clearly beneficial to learners?

        Where must the poor teacher get the time to learn to use computer technology?

        It is li

      • A dog in the manger
        11/25/07
        In a number of schools, when computers are installed for curriculum delivery purposes, some form of technology may already be present. Perhaps there is an existing computer laboratory which had been used for computer literacy classes.

        The person responsible for the old facility is often

      • Breaking news
        11/20/07
        Earlier this evening the cream of the South African public sector came together to celebrate innovation in the different tiers of government service.

        Thirteen finalists were chosen from around the country and there were five categories in which awards were granted.

        The Khanya p

      • Keep the planet green
        11/19/07
        Every person on the planet must be prepared to make a contribution towards keeping the planet green. Many do not want to face the inconvenient truth that the earth is getting warmer and warmer – not by itself, but by the indiscreet way in which people are using natural resources.

        Those w

      • Planning paralysis
        11/18/07
        There is no doubt that thorough planning is required when setting up a computer facility in a school.

        What are the learning objectives to be achieved? How does one anticipate future expansion? How can one avoid making early decisions that could make life difficult further down the lin

      • A replacement strategy
        11/16/07
        There is sufficient evidence that technology has a beneficial impact on teaching and learning in the schools of the Western Cape. Based on experience gained over the past seven years in over 800 schools, with more than 30 000 computers in use and 20 000 educators trained, and the effect of technolo

      • A blurred vision
        11/11/07
        No organization can remain competitive in the twenty-first century without making extensive use of technology as a matter of course in all of its operations. For example, one cannot imagine a bank surviving without computers and ATMs. It is unthinkable that commerce, industry, the engineering worl

      • No longer waiting for a PC
        11/09/07
        The topic "Waiting for a PC" is featured in the 8 November 2007 issue of iWeek magazine. As a sub-title, a question is posed: "Can the Education Department's new ICT in education plan work this time?"

        The article is about the National Department's laudable e

      • Look left, right, left
        11/08/07
        In primary school I was taught safety rules. One of them that I vividly recall (and which was inculcated in me to the extent that I still faithfully adhere to it every time I want to cross a road) is: look left, right, and left again and then cross the road without running.

        My parents di

      • The promise of a rose garden
        11/05/07
        Is it possible that campaigners of ICT have over-promised the contribution that the deployment of technology in schools would make? This question is prompted by the fact that in many cases where schools have been provided with technology resources, no improvement in teaching and learning has yet ta

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