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Thabang Mogale uses expertise to make Global Mobile Learning Conference possible
19 February, 2010
Over two grueling days, connecting his school with China and the USA, the young M-Ubuntu Communications Technician, Thabang Mogale, dug deep to ensure that a quality audio and video feed joins Ramosadi with the world.
Thabang provided all the technical support to make M-Ubuntu's first Global Conference a success.
"I am very impressed with Thabang's hard work at our school," said principal, Mr Sydney Teme.
The Global Mobile Learning Conference was addressed by Dr Jeff Kupperman from DiGameworks (US) and Geoff Stead from Tribal (UK). Two schools in South Africa, Spectrum Primary School (Gauteng) and De Rust Futura Academy (Western Cape) joined via a live internet video and audio connection.
Story and Picture: Learning Academy Worldwide
US educators visiting with Ramosadi Primary School learners and staff
January, 25, 2010
This week, Ramosadi Primary School will be home to educators and scholars from Michigan and California in the USA.
Shawn Baglin and Beth Robertson, Learning Consultants with DevInfo GameWorks together with Associate Professor of Education, University of Michigan and Assistant Professor of Education, Susanna Hapgood from University of Toledo will work directly with Grade 6 learners to meet literacy needs through the innovative technologies.
The team have vast experience in technology-based learning and are collaborating with the M-Ubuntu initiative to assist Ramosadi Primary in meeting its literacy goals.
Learners participate more and discipline problems subside during mobile learning coaching
December 2009
Teachers' confidence that the M-Ubuntu literacy initiative would make a difference was given a great boost as learners responded by engaging enthusiastically in their class activities
This was particularly noticeable during the Grade 6 interviews that they conducted with their younger peers at school. Lucy Haagen, M-Ubuntu project coach, demonstrated to teachers how simple-structured lesson plans with mobile phones, got learner involved in and reduced discipline problems.
Participants and observing participants in this video clip are focussed on their activities.
2009 Graduates of Grades R
December, 2009
The Grade R Graduates of Ramosadi Primary School were excited to pose for pictures at their graduation last year. See the images here
North West University opens door for Ramosadi Primary's M-Ubuntu
One of South Africa's biggest Universities, North West University, hosted a briefing by the M-Ubuntu team at their Mafikeng Campus.
Intrigued and curious of the M-learning phenomena, Professor Thapelo Mamiala from the Faculty of Education said earlier that they "welcome (the) opportunity to have collaboration with M-Ubuntu". The University made every effort to keep to this intention when they accepted an invitation from the M-Ubuntu team to introduce the project and explore collaboratory possibilities.
Some 15 delegates from the University met with Lucy Haagen, Sydney Teme and Dorothy Ratshefola to explore three possibilities with the University: a possible student teacher internship collaboration, a science project and the provision of training for teachers in technology assisted learning.
There's been a stirring in the region since the M-Ubuntu team arrived at their Ramosadi Project site to coach teachers in the use of Mobile phones to increase meaningful learning participation in the school.
Photography and Uploading: Thabang Mogale
Stirrings in Mafikeng as Ramosadi Primary educators connect with Duke University Lecturer
29 October, 2009
A new siege is under way in Mafikeng as the M-Ubuntu team met with principal and teachers in the second round of training and coaching in the use of Mobile phones for projects and examinations.
Every teacher of Ramosadi Primary School is involved in the project and this week started a 14-day initiative to engage them in the use of the phones for learning. Even the extended school community, represented by the School Governing body, were involved as the team explained the nature of the project, the achievements thus far and the plans ahead.
Duke University Lecturer, Lucy Haagen, are spending her days following a tight schedule that includes class visits to see teachers in action, coaching workshops to give practical ideas for the use of the phones and liaisons withthe community and the North West University to explore sustainability options for the M-Ubuntu project.
The visit of the US Embassy's English Language Officer, Mr Eran Williams, earlier this week, allowed M-Ubuntu to expand the awareness of this initiative.
Local institutional support coordinator, Mr BA Itumeleng, who represented the North West Education Department, spoke with praise and hope earlier via Skype to the M-Ubuntu coach in Washington DC. " I see such great possibilities for M-Ubuntu in helping our teachers in the region to learn practical uses of the technology", he said.
Lucy Haagen stays on in the region till Friday, 6th November before returning to the US.
Mr BA Itumeleng, from the North West Education Department speaks via Skype to Theo van Rensburg Lindzter in Washington DC
March 2009 - Educators Return from US trip - Story and Pictures
25 February 2009 Ramosadi Primary one of two schools to receive book grant from Washington DC organization. Read story here.
1 February 2009 Ramosadi Primary need creates opportunity for Mechanical Technology learners from Gauteng. Read story in NEWS.
30th January 2009 Ramosadi Primary School connects teachers to International expertise. READ full story and see pictures. Listen to principal.
Teachers from Ramosadi Primary receive coaching from Washington DC without leaving school premises. Read here.
US visit awaits principal and staff member from Ramosadi Primary School. Read here.
PICTURE GALLERY 
Lucy Haagen in coaching action
Dorothy Ratshefola explains her point while US Embassy officer, Eran Williams listens in.
Teachers at Ramosadi Primary coach one another
Lucy Haagen makes a point
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GARDENING PROJECT
This ingenious idea, started by principal Sydney Teme some five years ago, will also become the region's first laboratory where modules in the natural sciences will be studied.
Read the story. Click here.
Letter from the Principal
Sydney Teme in Washington DC during his recent visit to the US.
I am very honoured to be part of Ramosadi Primary School and I would love to hear from you if you have any comments or suggestions to help us make a difference for our children during the vital years of their lives.
We welcome your input. Email us a note or write us on our CONTACT US page
Ramosadi ... dreaming big dreams!
Cushioning the Botswana border in the North West Province of South Africa, a little village, known as Ramosadi, is home to our little school, quietly conducting its mandate since 1959 - Ramosadi Primary School.
Almost 300 learners come here each day, defying some of life's brutal barriers, most of it involuntarily imposed on them. They come to learn.
Educators, though strained by limited resources and big class sizes, dream big dreams for their learners.
They often remind themselves that Ramosadi Primary School was the home to South Africa's first black astrophycisist and the first black South African Stanford University graduate. The star of the 2005 Academy Award-wining South African film, Tsotsi, grew up in the dusty streets of Ramosadi.
Each child that walks through the doors each day is greeted with constant awareness of the potential that resides in them and the responsibility to help them identify it and pursue it - that is Ramosadi!
School Contact Details
879 Tebogo Teu Street
Montshiwa, MAFEKING
North West
SOUTH AFRICA
Telephone & Fax: 018-3841725
Email: info@ramosadiprimary.org
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