a presentation to the portfolio committee on communication on the convergence bill, 23 august 2005...
DESCRIPTION
Origins of the Ulwazi project DoC meeting St Alban's Outreach Project Partners include: Department of Communications (Mr Richard Gerber) Motorola (Mr Ronnie Seeber) Omega Digital Technologies SchoolNet South Africa Sangari EduAdmin OthersTRANSCRIPT
A presentation to the Portfolio Committee on Communication
on the Convergence Bill, 23 August 2005
Ron Beyers – Ulwazi Project Manager'Cost of education is high-
the price of ignorance is even higher"
Brief Background - Ron Beyers 25 Years of teaching experience Managed a Multi Million Rand Computer Centre Chairperson of Gauteng Schools Network Masters Degree in Education Director of Technology, St Alban's College Project Manager, Ulwazi project Taught over 1000 teachers – Outreach projects
Origins of the Ulwazi project
DoC meeting St Alban's Outreach Project Partners include:
Department of Communications (Mr Richard Gerber) Motorola (Mr Ronnie Seeber) Omega Digital Technologies SchoolNet South Africa Sangari EduAdmin Others
Lynnwood Ridge Shopping complex used as a relay site to
provide line-of-sight links between St. Alban’s and
Mamelodi
St. Alban’sCollege 2 km
Computer Centre
Design and Technology Centre
LYNNWOODGLEN
Mamelodi High
Modiri HighTshwaneNorthern College
GatangComprehensive
8 km
1.1.5 km1.2
km
1.3 km
MAMELODI TOWNSHIP
All broadband connectivity is via Canopy broadband
technology
The Ulwazi Network
What is the Ulwazi project?
Virtual interactive and collaborative e-learning
SMART Boards, web cams, microphones, speakers, etc.
Access to shared resources Closed broadband network Going beyond the confines of constricted
dial-up education
What is the Ulwazi project?
Broadband connectivity removing barriers of access to learning
International exposure (CNN) Top 4 finalists
Wireless Broadband Innovators Award 2005
The real Problem
Existing Telecommunications Act Section 41(2)
a single piece of land or contiguous pieces Must get capacity from Telkom
Issue #1
ICASA only be prepared to grant a temporary licence for experimental purposes, only for three months and that renewal of the licence is not guaranteed
Eight months Ulwazi Application
Issue #2
Many schools would like to have a similar network but are not be able to get a licence for such a network
Issue #3
Broadband wireless connectivity has the potential to be a major aid in solving South Africa's educational crisis
The act is a stumbling block in the way of leveraging this potential
Issue #4
There is no justification for withholding from schools the tremendous benefits that broadband networks can provide, as has been demonstrated with the Ulwazi network.
Issue #5
It is urgent that the limitations of section 41(2) are reviewed, so that all schools, urban and rural, could get the benefits of broadband connectivity.
Issue #6
The regulator should be empowered and obligated, by the Convergence Bill, to grant licences for this type of project.
Such projects must be Zero Rated for educational purposes.
Issue #7
Vision for the development of interactive e-learning by means of broadband connectivity in schools
Additional services such as health can also be included
Future Vision
TshwaneSmart
LearningNetwork
Ulwazi NetworkBroadband
Canopy Link `Home Access
`Home Access
SoshanguvePower line
Technologies
AtteridgevillePower line
Technologies
LaudiumPower line
Technologies
Pretoria SchoolsPower line
Technologies
Library
TUTS
Tukkies
High Performance
Centre
District Office CSIRInnovation Hub
ISP4X SCHOOL CLUSTERSConsisting of- SMART Classroom- up to 10 links per school to homes
- EduAdmin Servers- VOIP connectivity- Remote In Service Training- Teacher Substitution
Teacher TrainingEducational Support
Research Component
Teacher TrainingEducational Support
Research Component
E- Books
Access to top educators
TSLN Head Offices
Cost effective Internet Connectivity for schools that can afford it
Consider Radio link combination
Page 1
APPENDIX A : Ulwazi Phase 2 - Tshwane Smart Learning Network – Concept Diagram
`Home Access
`Home Access
`Home Access
`Home Access`
Home Access`Home Access
National Depts. of - Education- Communications- Science and Technology- Arts and Culture
Future Vision Project goes beyond Gauteng on-line More emphasis on interactivity not just connectivity Creates Learning Communities that are connected Project is replicable and sustainable Micro to National Grid of learning Sharing common resources Education material on demand District Offices scenario Substitute teachers ONLY POSSIBLE WITH A LICENCE
Convergence Bill
Removal of serious impediments in the existing Telecommunications Act.
Zero Rated Educational Licence Leverage true potential of digital revolution
Thank You
Ron BeyersDirector of Technology, St Alban’s Collegewww.stalbanscollege.com Project Manager, Ulwazi Projectwww.ulwaziproject.co.zabeyersr@stalbanscollege.com0833108843