Quality education relies on the quality of the training of teachers but also of other role-players in the education chain. The launch of the FEDSAS E-learning platform provides school governing bodies, parents and staff with access to online courses to equip them for the challenges of school governance. The FEDSAS E-learning platform is an initiative of the FEDSAS Centre for Technology that was established a year ago by the Federation of Governing Bodies of South African Schools. The E-learning platform was launched in Sandton today (Wednesday, 09 October 2019).
         
“The E-learning platform as well as the other programmes of the Centre for Technology place FEDSAS at the cutting edge of training for school governing bodies,” says Dr Jaco Deacon, Deputy CEO of FEDSAS. “We are excited about this investment in our members. It provides access to informative courses via a world-class learning management system.”
         
Deacon says although personal interaction with member schools and role-players will always remain a priority for FEDSAS, this platform will provide in the need for quick and easy access to training and support. “The platform should be seen as complementary to FEDSAS’ existing and comprehensive training opportunities and services. Members of school governing bodies are often involved in various aspects of the school environment and the online option for training makes it easier for governing bodies to gain access to the necessary information.”
         
Mr Riaan van der Bergh, FEDSAS’ Manager: Education Technology, says in addition to saving time and money, the FEDSAS E-learning platform is also easy to use. “Courses that are already available include an introduction to school governance as well as an introduction to the Protection of Personal Information Act, or POPIA. An electronic POPIA pocket guide is also available.”
         
Van der Berg says courses on amongst others social media law and financial management for public schools will follow shortly as well as Afrikaans versions of the courses. “The E-learning platform is an excellent addition to the Centre for Technology, where members have access to advice and support in terms of digital citizenship.”
         
The FEDSAS Centre for Technology is hosted as an online platform and is available at www.fedsastech.org.za. More information about the FEDSAS E-learning platform is available at https://fedsas.education.rocks/
 
PHOTO: FEDSAS has launched an innovative E-learning platform that provides school governing bodies with access to online courses. From the left: Mr Stefan Oberholzer of the service provider Weavind Online and Mr Riaan van der Bergh, FEDSAS’ Manager: Education Technology.