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Learners make music thanks to new laboratory – Bulletin, 16 April 2009

Monique Duval

Music learners at South Peninsula High School are striking new chords after the opening of the school’s new music laboratory.

It is part of a pilot project by the Western Cape Education Department’s Khanya Project, in partnership with Apple Computers.  The pilot project utilises Apple technology to teach music and design at 14 high schools and six primary schools in the province.

Speaking at the opening, South Peninsula High principal, Brian Isaacs, said he was grateful to those who funded and supported the project.

“Those of us who have been in teaching for some time, realise how important it is to be able to use technology to enhance learning in the classroom,” Mr Isaacs said.  He encouraged the learners to use the opportunities given to them as much as possible.

Some of the music schools taking part in the pilot project include Wynberg Senior Secondary, Bergvliet High, Settlers High and Schoonspruit High schools.  Each school will receive five iMac computers, which will enable learners to manipulate and compose music according to the learning outcomes and assessments of the national curriculum for Grades 10 – 12.

Schools teaching design will be provided with iMac computers as well as graphic design software.

In the primary schools, learners will use MacBooks (Apple laptops) from Grade 4 to Grade 6, where the focus will be on improving their literacy and numeracy skills.

WCED spokesperson, Paddy Attwell, said the pilot project is set to run over a three year period and is aimed at determining the suitability of Apple technology in an educational environment but also to determine its effectiveness in comparison to other technologies currently used by the department.

He also said the aim was to determine the effective and creative support of the curriculum delivery in primary schools and specialised curriculum areas in high schools using Apple technology.

“During 2008, Apple provided training sessions for teachers, WCED officials and Khanya staff.  WCED curriculum planners co-ordinated further training by Adobe and the University of Cape Town,” Mr Attwell said.

Kobus van Wyk, manager of the Khanya project, said the appropriate technology, as well as the availability and the affordability of it were the main considerations when the project was created.