IT was her desire to make a difference in the lives of others that led Kim Ranwell to choose teaching as her career.
And it is her passion for and dedication to using technology in the classroom to make that difference that has garnered her the bronze medal in the Excellence in Technology-Enhanced Teaching and Learning category at this year’s National Teaching Awards.
“I love giving children a chance to excel, especially those who might struggle with their learning. Watching them engaging with content and enjoying the lessons gives me great fulfilment,” Ranwell said.
She champions teaching and learning through technology at Herbert Hurd Primary School, where she is the iPad coordinator. Technology is included in each subject and learners have access to their own iPads.
Ranwell also drives a programme to train and empower her colleagues in the effective use of technology. “Everything that I do comes from my belief that technology enhances children’s learning and can improve our teaching.”
Her proactive approach led to her nomination for this year’s National Teaching Awards. There is a rigorous selection process through which the eventual finalists progress, which includes several qualifying rounds at district, cluster and provincial levels. Ranwell was the winner at each stage of the process to provincial level.
Staying abreast of developments in technology and the willingness to redefine oneself are critical in today’s education system, according to Ranwell. Her advice is to move with the times and to embrace new ways of teaching.
“You cannot do things the way they have always been done; you have to find out what works best for the learners you have in your class because they are different to the learners that we have had before.”
In addition, SchoolNet SA has rewarded Ranwell with a sponsorship of R100 000 worth of training, mentorship and conference participation. She was also awarded a range of technology devices, a Legacy Hotel holiday break and R10 000 in cash.
SchoolNet SA sponsors the prize for excellence in the category for technology-enhanced teaching and learning, where finalists are given the opportunity to present their strategies for using digital tools to a panel of adjudicators.
The teachers placed first, second and third in this category each receive a SchoolNet South African Council for Educator’s accredited professional development course of their choice for themselves and their colleagues.
Ranwell will also be sponsored to attend the SchoolNet SA Digital Learning Conference, in North West province in June.
