UJ Department of Science and Technology Education
The Learning Technologies Unit has over the years engaged teachers in the use of learning technologies in a variety of educational settings. Prof Duan vd Westhuizen and Prof Geoff Lautenbach recently completed a project funded by the GDE in establishing baseline practices in computer use in Gauteng Schools, as well as identifying and mapping good practice in these schools. More recently, the unit was approached by the CSIR Meraka Institute to collaborate in a learning technology project to explore how a variety of learning technologies can support and transform teaching and learning in the classroom. This international, multiple site project led by Dr Jacqueline Batchelor takes place in the USA, India and South Africa as part of a broader initiative called the HP National Education Technology Analytics Project (HP NETA) – an ambitious data analytics effort that will assist education leaders and policy makers by providing insights about the impact of education technology on learning, society, and the economy. Our general focus on learning technologies in such a variety of unique contexts opens the door for students to explore postgraduate studies in a number of fields that incorporate the innovative use of these technologies. The fourth unit member is Dr Rabaitse Diseko
The Science Education Unit are involved in national projects, and are deeply involved in the teaching community, and they feature in the local press and on television. Prof Umesh Ramnarain is currently doing interesting research on the use of cartoons in Physics and Science teaching. This Science Education Unit of the Department has shown phenomenal growth over the last few years, both in the increase of undergraduate and postgraduate students, as well as in research output. Dr Rina Grobler works in the field of natural sciences and mathematics education. Her research focus is on cultural capital and academic achievement. The rest of the unit is made of Prof Fouad Abd-El-Khalick Research Associate, Dr Iman Chahine Senior Research Associate, Mr Kudakwashe Mamutse Assistant Lecturer and Prof Kingston Nyamapfene Visiting Professor.
The Technology Education Unit and TechnEd also led by Prof Piet Ankiewicz continue to impress with innovations in the field of Technology Education and continuing professional development (CPTD) of Technology teachers, and probably has the best programme for this kind of training in the country. They also have strong links in industry, and have obtained several sponsorships from national and international companies for the Technology Education Catalyst Project. This project is aimed at providing learning and teaching support material as well as CPTD for teachers to schools who cannot afford it. Different from the other fields of study, both the academic subjects and methodologies for Senior Phase and Further Education and Training Phase are offered by the technology group including Dr Francois van As and Mr Werner Engelbrecht. All practical work related to the training of teachers are facilitated at TechnEd that includes workshops, a computer centre, seminar facilities and a resource centre.
Contact Us
University of Johannesburg
PO Box 524
Auckland Park
2006
South Africa
Ms Bianca Bester
Tel: +27 11 559 2666
Fax: +27 11 559 2292
bbester@uj.ac.za