Thuynsma is a teacher at the school who has been allocated many ICT-related responsibilities at the school since the donation of the Telkom Computer Laboratory. Previously the school had acquired computers of its own, but the new laboratory made it possible for a much wider range of learners to gain access to ICT.

Thuynsma is using the presentation software in her office package to develop new multimedia content for the learners. “Planning is very important and I plan the whole learning experience, including a lesson plan, worksheets and assessment to support the multimedia presentation,” explains Thuynsma. “It is essential to use pictures and sound, but it is more than just entertainment. I want to consolidate the learning with worksheets.”

Carpe Diem now has a range of digital content that has been produced in-house by Thuynsma using presentation and web page authoring software. “My favourite lessons are the one on whales, which I developed in presentation software. The lessons on phonics were developed as web pages. The learners have learnt the basic navigation skills and are able to manage their own learning to a large extent when using the software,” says Thuynsma.

Learners are not just required to use and read the software. The activities are interspersed with activities requiring creative responses by the learners. Thuynsma concludes: “I do not develop content so that I have to do less. My continual support of the learners is made more effective now that they are engaged and I can facilitate more extended learning across the whole class. My aim is to enhance learning and it is satisfying to see how this content supports a learning experience that is not only more effective, but filled with excitement, laughter and, above all, a sense of achievement.”