Online schools and learning institutions taking off in SA

YASMINE JACOBS

THE digital landscape has changed the world and almost every sector – and education is not an exception. Twenty years ago, edutech and online schools were basically unheard of and now online has been integrated into the school curriculum.

With the onset of Covid19 and the lockdown, many turned to online resources for schooling.

There are a number of online schools and learning institutions.

It is worth noting that when choosing a provider, you need to ensure the company is registered with the South African Comprehensive Assessment Institute (Sacai).

Sacai education providers adhere to the Department of Basic Education’s CAPS curriculum.

Valenture Institute

Launched in 2019, it is a global private online high school offering a British curriculum recognised by the world’s leading universities, including Yale, Harvard, and Oxford. Learners experience a highly engaging, inclusive, and rich learning environment that is supported by teachers, mentors, and boutique techenabled campuses. In South Africa, learners can choose between studying online only, or attending one of the campuses in Dunkeld (Johannesburg) and Newlands (Cape Town).

MyTopDog

MyTopDog provides personalised learning experiences for pupils in grades 4 to 12 through its Vodacom e-school. The learning content has been designed to supplement and support all major subjects in the public and private school curricula, supporting the CAPS, NSC & IEB systems.

Curro Online

This is the Curro group’s first dedicated online school. All classes are presented by teachers while children learn from home. The live lessons are presented on MS Teams and are scheduled according to a

structured timetable. All lessons are recorded and pupils can access digital material and recorded lessons online at any time.

Virtual schools

Launched in 2013, Virtual Schools provides home-schooling solutions in South Africa for grades RR to 12.

What makes it a bit different is that the curriculum makes use of online content as well as traditional textbooks. Fees start from R3590 a year for Grade R and R25990 a year for Grade 12 pupils.

Mancosa

If you have completed your schooling and want to get into the business field, Management College of Southern Africa (Mancosa) is one of the places to start. Mancosa has been accredited as an online university in South Africa and offers an online business administration programme.