Vodacom has confirmed that there has been a significant increase in registrations on its e-School platform since the government announced the nationwide Covid-19 lockdown.
The telecommunication company noted that user registrations on the platform have gone up by over 1 000% compared to previous historic periods, nearing one million users. Content utilisation increased by 300% over previous averages, with mathematics, natural sciences and accounting topping the charts.
Vodacom launched the online platform back in 2014 in partnership with the DBE. It can be described as a free, unlimited online education portal that provides educational content for learners in grades R to 12. This includes assignments, quizzes and interactive learning videos.
The content is fully aligned to the Department of Basic Education national curriculum and assessment policy statement and is available in all 11 South African languages.
Takalani Netshitenzhe, Chief Officer of Corporate Affairs for Vodacom Group, said: “Supporting education is the main focus of the Vodacom Foundation, so we are encouraged by the phenomenal growth of new subscribers signing up on the free e-School learning platform.
“This demonstrates the platform is addressing a societal need at a time when the private sector needs to join hands with the government as it contends with COVID-19. It is also clear that our message to parents and guardians to encourage learners to continue with their studies by using Vodacom e-School has been heeded and that they are finding the platform useful,” added Netshitenzhe.
Detailing the interventions undertaken by The Department of Communications, to mitigate some of the COVID-19 impacts, Minister Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams said as the department charged with SA’s ICT agenda, it must determine how technology can help address the disruption caused in the education system.
Moreover, Netshitenzhe says: “Our e-School platform is in line with Vodacom’s ongoing drive to help provide ICT tools and Internet connectivity to communities that do not have access. By providing access to Internet services to improve the standard of education, Vodacom is able to uplift learners and the quality of education in our country as SA is gearing up for the fourth industrial revolution.”
According to Vodacom, the strong growth of its platform is being fueled by a strong uptake from learners in Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo and Mpumalanga. The platforms expect the growth in registrations and usage to increase in the coming weeks.
In order to access the Vodacom e-School, users need to visit the platform Web site from their cellphone, tablet or laptop to register. Data charges will apply to those who are not Vodacom subscribers.
