The Role of Edtech in Shaping South Africa’s Education Sector

South African parents pursuing quality education for their children in a technology-driven world are concerned about ensuring that their children get education that is aligned with market demands, and improves employability, as employers increasingly prioritise candidates with relevant tech skills and qualifications.

The quest for quality education in South Africa

With the high unemployment rate of graduates in South Africa, parents are faced with the conundrum of finding a “good school” within reach, physically and financially. When considering a university, reach becomes less important as students may apply to multiple universities, ranked by preference based on perceived reputation of the universities to ensure acceptance. The power of universities to attract students lies more on potential for their graduates to be attractive to the job market rather than on location and cost.

How perceived reputation impacts choice of university

Throughout this cycle, reputation and perceived quality of education are central in people’s choice of institutions to attend. Post-secondary education, the future value of the curriculum becomes a primary concern as the value of a qualification is associated with the institution awarding it.

Policymakers in education seem to have lost the way whereby they have established a multitude of institutions overseeing the sector with a plethora of NQF credits for certificates awarded but have not addressed the gap or shortage of sought after skills in business which remains despite the many institutions including the SETAs offering courses.

The WOW report on the education industry in South Africa delves into the status and achievements of the education industry. The report also outlines the role of different institutions of the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA), which oversees the National Qualifications Framework (NQF), and the quality councils which are responsible for the accreditation of qualifications and institutions – the Umalusi Council for Quality Assurance in General and Further Education and Training, the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations and the Council on Higher Education.

Emergence of edtech in South Africa

In this context, education technology (edtech) is emerging as a transformative force all over the world, and South Africa is grappling with integrating technology into teaching and learning. The education sector in South Africa is offering solutions to some of the challenges, particularly in promoting access through the installation of fibre that connects schools to the internet. This is aimed at bridging gaps between urban and rural schools.

While connectivity is key in driving the adoption of technology, the majority of rural schools and universities are still lagging behind in ensuring that each learner or student has a connected device to access education content.

The adoption of edtech (mostly by private sector companies) in South Africa is being driven by several key trends that are reshaping the education landscape.

Digital access and inclusion

Edtech solutions are helping to close the digital divide through mobile-friendly learning platforms, affordable tablets, and online resources, making education more accessible to students, regardless of their geographic location. Initiatives to provide devices and connectivity in underserved areas are, sadly, hampered in certain communities by criminal activities.

Teacher empowerment and training

There has been some progress in upskilling teachers to integrate technology in their teaching and learning methods, but access to high-quality professional development opportunities remains a hinderance. Virtual workshops, online courses, and collaborative platforms are slowly being utilised to train teachers to integrate digital tools into their classrooms.

The pandemic was a catalyst for the adoption of remote and blended learning models. South Africa, like many other countries, saw a rapid shift to online learning during lockdowns with technology companies leading the way and driving the change. Lecturers and teachers who were reluctant to venture into online education have now realised its value, and are slowly adapting to the hybrid method.

Challenges with qualification standards

The multiple authorities overseeing education, including the South African Qualifications Authority and various quality councils for basic and higher education, are now faced with the task of recognising different qualifications brought about by edtech platforms that make it easier for students to earn, track, and showcase their qualifications.

The main challenge associated with the multiple authorities is the lack of coordination, leading to confusion around qualifications and inconsistent benchmarks, making it difficult for students, employers, and institutions to navigate and evaluate the educational system effectively.

So far, the growth in enrolment at edtech private sector learning institutions is encouraging. Edtech focuses on specific practical skills that are in demand, enabling students to gain acceptance in the labour market, a process that has built edtech’s reputation.

The future of education in South Africa

While technology is playing an instrumental role in shaping the future of South Africa’s education sector, it is crucial to streamline qualifications, maintain high standards across institutions, keep abreast of technological developments and ensure equitable access to digital resources.