Digitisation is the portal to growth for business and government
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Though it is undeniably difficult to look back at February while still in the midst of a global pandemic, reflection can reveal the many positive developments and lessons the crisis has brought.
From a digital transformation perspective February was significant in that it marked the month of the state of the nation address, in which the government outlined initiatives that would place the country on track to realise economic growth through large-scale digitisation. These initiatives included the after focus areas:
Grass-roots development, bringing coding and robotics to primary schools.Higher learning, including plans to build a university of science and innovation in Ekurhuleni. Developing a world-class smart city.
Now, as the public and private sectors look to adapt and adjust in line with the radical changes brought about by the pandemic and national lockdown, it is valuable to reflect on these digital initiatives, and take proactive steps to ensure business leaders and policymakers remain firmly on course to drive economic growth through strategic digitisation.
Regarding education and vital grass-roots development in the light of coronavirus-related changes, educators have had to scramble to find ways to continue their efforts using a myriad of digital channels after the forced closure of schools and higher learning institutions nationwide. Teachers have fought heroic battles to keep in touch with pupils via e-mail and even WhatsApp, to maintain momentum for the school or varsity year. At both K12 school and university level we have glimpsed the possibilities of moving to a far more virtualised classroom environment, and seen that online learning is viable and highly beneficial in many ways.
Fast connectivity
The lockdown has revealed stark digital inequalities, with many pupils unable to access the data, connectivity and devices they need to keep up with their global peers. The crisis also revealed the urgent need to train teachers in the use of virtual classroom environments — and to upskill their own digital skills and capabilities. For SA to make faster progress towards the state of the nation address goal of introducing initiatives such as coding and robotics in primary schools, for example, we need to invest in dynamic virtual learning platforms, connectivity and access — as well as rigorous digital training and upskilling for the nation’s teachers.
Regarding the state of the nation address goal of developing a smart city, fast, robust connectivity will be vital to such an initiative. While the government has recently committed ...
From a digital transformation perspective February was significant in that it marked the month of the state of the nation address, in which the government outlined initiatives that would place the country on track to realise economic growth through large-scale digitisation. These initiatives included the after focus areas:
Grass-roots development, bringing coding and robotics to primary schools.Higher learning, including plans to build a university of science and innovation in Ekurhuleni. Developing a world-class smart city.
Now, as the public and private sectors look to adapt and adjust in line with the radical changes brought about by the pandemic and national lockdown, it is valuable to reflect on these digital initiatives, and take proactive steps to ensure business leaders and policymakers remain firmly on course to drive economic growth through strategic digitisation.
Regarding education and vital grass-roots development in the light of coronavirus-related changes, educators have had to scramble to find ways to continue their efforts using a myriad of digital channels after the forced closure of schools and higher learning institutions nationwide. Teachers have fought heroic battles to keep in touch with pupils via e-mail and even WhatsApp, to maintain momentum for the school or varsity year. At both K12 school and university level we have glimpsed the possibilities of moving to a far more virtualised classroom environment, and seen that online learning is viable and highly beneficial in many ways.
Fast connectivity
The lockdown has revealed stark digital inequalities, with many pupils unable to access the data, connectivity and devices they need to keep up with their global peers. The crisis also revealed the urgent need to train teachers in the use of virtual classroom environments — and to upskill their own digital skills and capabilities. For SA to make faster progress towards the state of the nation address goal of introducing initiatives such as coding and robotics in primary schools, for example, we need to invest in dynamic virtual learning platforms, connectivity and access — as well as rigorous digital training and upskilling for the nation’s teachers.
Regarding the state of the nation address goal of developing a smart city, fast, robust connectivity will be vital to such an initiative. While the government has recently committed ...