Digitisation of educational services in South Africa
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Digitisation of educational services in South Africa Written by Catherine Rowell Produced by Vince Kielty
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South Africa is a major growth region for Pearson, at which Technology Director Thuli Hlongwane discusses how the company is implementing new digital products and initiatives to enable world-class learning
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outh Africa is currently a major growth region for the education sector, with the rise of new colleges and education establishments across the region. Last year, Midrand Graduate Institute (MGI) changed its name to Pearson Institute of Higher Education. The name change was a natural progression, as in 2010, Pearson bought a majority stake in MGI and in 2013 became 100 percent owners of the institution. Through its implementation, Technology Director Thuli Hlongwane has been behind the development and delivery of the company’s applications for students at the Pearson Institute, in addition to overseeing the company’s financial
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and HR systems. Hlongwane is also responsible for managing the project management office (PMO), encompassing all technology implementation, direct delivery and system integration. She explains: “With students, we look at them as prospects at Pearson, from the time of registration to enrolment. We do that on a CRM application. We are then able to progress the student through the level of registration.” In order to provide a personalised and world-class service, Hlongwane liaises with colleagues and speaks with students directly in order to efficiently look at requirements from a systems perspective. Pearson has also recently gone live with a new HR platform, integrating current systems
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to ensure the best possible experience for staff and bring forth streamlined business processes. At present, Pearson is in the process of enrolling students which occurs twice a year, once at the beginning of the year, and then in mid-year. All students are enrolled on Pearson’s CRM application, at which this information is then linked to target systems, such as the institute’s financial systems and student information system. However, Pearson is currently working on a platform regarding online registration for students.
With students, we look at them as prospects at Pearson, from the time of registration to enrolment
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Our Learner Management System allows us to post new information directly to students, or to groups of students by qualification, campus, or nationally
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Well equipped Students at Pearson Institute are provided with tablets, containing full academic content and global systems, such an eReader and the student portal application. These technological developments have proven advantageous and have become part of the students’ induction process and success throughout their studies. Measurable learning outcomes and employable graduates are cornerstones of success. Hlongwane explains: “For us it is all about student experience. Through the tablet, students will know their way around, have access to different systems and know what’s available
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with our students within the institution, employees working is of the utmost just before they set for Pearson importance. The LMS into class”. However, system allows us to post in certain subjects, some new information directly to students still prefer textbooks, students, or to groups of students by but Hlongwane concludes “this is qualification, campus, or nationally.” the exception rather than the norm”. Integration of our Customer Learner Management System Relationship Management (CRM) (LMS), myLMS, will enable students system, Salesforce, allows Pearson to gain access to their course to capture and identify trends material, assignments, quizzes, and provides insight into the results, and ongoing communication students’ needs and wants, and with their lecturers. The myLMS how the company can provide team adds: “Communication
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the best student experience. The advantages of the integration of current systems has even been considered for students who are graduating from the institution. Hlongwane explains: “It is more on the employability side. We implemented a system for the students who are graduating and also for current students to make sure that they have proper access or
exposure to employers, whether as interns or for permanent positions”. Further enhancement With the revamping of Pearson’s academic management systems (AMS), technology will further support all activities on the 12 campuses for an increased number of students, which is rising year on year. Hlongwane explains: “It’s centralised
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Through the tablet, students will know their way around, have access to different systems and know what’s available within the institution, just before they set into class
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because we have one technology two financial applications. team supporting our operations, Long term, Pearson’s continual and also, ensures that we have the focus on the student journey, proper support in place.” Pearson’s data security, alongside the helpdesk is currently outsourced, but integration of systems will enable it is imperative that all calls are logged students to interact with the through this system by the respective institution more effectively. campuses, with follow up on “The rebranding of MGI all incidents and proper to Pearson Institute troubleshooting on all is a positive step issues. Calls must towards ensuring also be directed to the excellence in right environment. learning and Pearson’s global providing high The amount of projects, such as its quality education revenue generated OneCRM application are to all students. by Pearson implemented by global Measurable learning teams, incorporating strong outcomes and partnerships with consulting/ employable graduates implementation companies. are cornerstones of our success. However, Pearson also partners Providing educational materials with a number of local suppliers may be what Pearson is best known in the hosting of the institute’s for but we also own and operate applications, telecommunications a number of learning institutions and local networks deployment. around the world”. Hlongwane adds Whilst Pearson’s student portal that being part of an international is also hosted externally, its AMS company improves partnership with application is supported by local global universities and students partners, alongside the institution’s benefit from these partnerships.
2bn
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Pearson South Africa 4th Floor Auto Atlantic Building Cnr Hertzog Boulevard and Heerengracht Boulevard Cape Town South Africa
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