TRAC launches innovative learning project

Trans African Concessions (TRAC) became part of the latest innovation in distance learning in South Africa, with the launch of the TRAC E-Learning Project at the Middelburg Plaza E-Learning Centre in Mpumalanga last month.

The TRAC E-Learning Project is one of concessionaire’s key Corporate Social Investment (CSI) projects which will bring a new dimension to quality distance education with technology that supports and develops interactive communication through video conferencing.

The initiative provides grade 12 learners the opportunity to improve their marks in maths and science through distance learning technology developed by Ligbron Learning Academy in Ermelo.

It also offers a ‘teach the teacher programme where educators can attend lessons to enhance their teaching skills.

The Middelburg Plaza E-Learning Centre was especially built for this project and specialises in ‘remote teaching’.

It’s equipped with the latest groundbreaking technology, including intelligent smart-boards, monitors, microphones, high-speed online communication and computer equipment.

All these elements enable participating learners and teachers to attend real-time classes in one location while a facilitator in another location takes them through their class via video conferencing.

The aim of the TRAC E-learning Project is not to replace conventional schooling for learners, but rather to provide them with a strong support system. It helps participants revise the work they have been taught at school in order to understand these lessons better and obtain higher marks.

This initiative will be piloted from the Middelburg Plaza E-Learning Centre. TRAC has opened the programme to three schools in the Middelburg area – Sofunda Secondary School, Ekwazini Secondary School and Tshwenyane Combined School – and 40 learners (20 for maths, 20 for science) and eight teachers are currently participating.

Lessons take place on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 15:00; therefore they do not clash with regular schooling.

During the launch at the Middelburg Plaza TRAC, CEO Graham Esterhuysen praised Ligbron Academy for the creation of such a programme, “TRAC is very excited with its involvement in such a modern, efficient and hi-tech initiative.”

We believe that the youth of today needs help to prepare for the future because maths and science form an integral part of almost any career. Without these two subjects, career choices are limited, he continued, We urge the participants of this programme to dedicate themselves to study and achieve the best they can throughout the academic year and to make use of the facility and the time to improve their performance.

TRAC is confident that the Middelburg Plaza E-Learning Centre will be the first of many.

Should the pilot phase prove to be successful, the project will be rolled out to the other plazas along the N4 Toll Route.