Introduction to the Assignment

$$ This assignment consists of ONE case study and FIVE $(5)$ compulsory questions. Embracing a Tech$-$Driven Future: Using technology to bridge the gap in learning in South Africa$$s Education Late in $2021,$ Joint Education Trust $($JET$)$ partnered with Educational Initiatives $($Ei$)$ Pvt to Implement Ei$-$Mindspark: a Maths programme for learners using a personalised learning Software that allows them to acquire an understanding of maths concepts effectively and to Advance at their own pace. The system captures the data from the online activities Undertaken by the learners and is used to enhance their learning pathway. In January $2022$ a pilot, supported by the Western Cape Education Department $($WCED$),$ Principals and teachers, began in six primary schools in the Metro South District of the Western Cape involving over $1200$ learners. The focus on the first term of the intervention Was on training the principals and teachers on the CAPS$-$aligned Ei$-$Mindspark programme And introducing the learners to a new way of learning maths. The focus of the JET facilitators over the course of the year has been on supporting the Teachers on how they can use the data generated from the software to monitor each Individual learner$$s progress. It has helped to inform the way the teachers tailor their lessons By identifying the specific areas in which each learner requires support when tackling any Given maths topic. Another interesting component of the software is how learners acquire $$sparkies$$ which are Awarded as they progress through the topics. This has helped to incentivise and motivate The learners as they work at their own level and pace on the same topic as their classmates. Over the next two years of this proof of concept, the progress of the learners will be tracked So that JET and Educational Initiatives Pvt can evaluate the impact of this innovative online Maths programme. The aim is to determine whether the programme can be implemented At scale across South Africa and have the same positive outcome as it has in other Developing countries. One positive consequence of Covid$-19$ has been the realisation that technology can be a Force for good and the Fourth Industrial Revolution offers so many opportunities. JET and Educational Initiatives Pvt hope that the lessons learnt from the pilot will propel education In South Africa in an exciting direction and one which could narrow the inequality gap and Provide the previously disadvantaged a chance to use online education programmes to Showcase their talents.

Question $1$

Write an executive summary, discussing the implementation Of the Ei$-$Mindspark project. Your summary must make use of the case study. Design a vision statement for the WCED to guide and inspire the team in their Deployment of Ei$-$Mindspark across the province. $30$ Marks

Question $2$

Conduct a examination for purpose of strategic planning in South Africa$$s public sector. Consider

the role NGOs like the Joint Education Trust $($JET$)$ and Educational Initiatives $($Ei$)$

play in the strategic planning of the Western Cape Education Department. $30$ Marks