Changing Lense ECD Settings Post Covid by Puleng
Changing Lense: ECD Settings Post Covid by Puleng Motsoeneng Ntataise further Education Training Certificate NQF Level 4 Pre and Post Lockdown.
Overview of Ntataise Programmes Ntataise’s vision is to increase access to quality ECD opportunities for children living in disadvantaged communities in South Africa.
The Ntataise FETC: ECD Level 4 qualification programme: • Offers a full ECD qualification at Level 4 on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) • includes courses, workshops, on-site support and assessment visits designed to mentor and support practitioners in implementing in practice what they learn in theory. The methodology: • Ongoing face to face training, on-site support with regular mentoring • pivotal in improving and upgrading the quality of the learning programmes in Community based ECD Centres and playgroups The 2020 Training schedule changed: • aims to provide training and support to ECD practitioners enrolled on the Ntataise FETC: ECD Level 4 accredited training and mentoring programme • working in community and home-based ECD centres, programmes and/or playgroups in marginalized communities in the Free State and North West provinces.
COVID-19 Lockdown: In 2018 Ntataise developed a digital literacy strategy to build the proficiency and comfort levels of both trainers and practitioners in the use of digital platforms for their own personal learning and development. With the closure of ECD facilities in mid-March and the subsequent lockdown, Ntataise put on hold in-person training workshops for all our programmes. The impact of Covid-19 and the need for social distancing, has fast-tracked our strategy to integrate digital platforms to extend and enhance our training and development programmes; and in the Covid-19 context, continue to effectively deliver these programme. During the months of April – July 2020, Ntataise piloted the delivery of two training modules using digital platforms with ECD practitioners: • a first for both the Ntataise Trainers and the ECD Practitioners; most of whom had never participated in distance teaching and learning. • great commitment and positive response is testament to the resilience of both Trainers and Practitioners and eagerness to continue with the programme, against all odds.
Adapting to the times: Ntataise Covid-19 Response Trainers ECD Practitioners
Blended Training Methodology: Used what was readily available to us: • Mobile devises – Android mobile phones; Whats. App and Google platform • Ntataise allocated data to participants • Digital orientation sessions The modules delivered digitally included daily activities such as reading, responding to verbal and written questions, and participating in group online discussions and reflection activities. Video clips and voice notes were sent to practitioners to reinforce key points and to address any gaps in understanding. The practitioners demonstrated creativity and innovation by involving their own children and families in some of the activities. All 30 practitioners completed the activities and generally performed well in gaining knowledge on Child Development and performed practical activities. .
Reflections by Practitioners “As a student of Ntataise it has been a wonderful experience of learning. Using the lockdown time when its all boring and stressful at home, it was a relief to continue with our work and progress with the course. It is very valuable to see our classmates and especially our teacher. It feels live and exciting. ” “I have learnt a lot when using the Google Meet. It makes it easy to communicate with our facilitator and even to be able to see each other. Listening to the videos and interacting with my group using voice recording, whatsapp and messages helped me a lot because it was easy to understand the topic. Lastly I could understand the activities because we spoke about them in groups and I could watch the videos for a reminder” “At first I thought training in this way was difficult but now I understand enjoy learning on Google Meet and Whats. App. Everyone must try it. It’s really fun!”
CLOSURE When you pay attention to the beginning of the story, you can change the whole story – by Raffi Cavoukian
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