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On Wednesday 27 June 2018, Advanced Certificates in Education and Teaching were awarded to graduandi from the South Campus for Open Distance Learning. The first group of students to graduate from the first fully online ACT programme were also awarded their qualifications. This course features content generated at the IDEAS Lab on the South Campus.

The ACT Online programme represents a tremendous stride in teacher training tailored for South African educators while being accessible from anywhere in the country via its online platform.

Convenient, cost-effective, caring

Tanja du Toit, one of 22 graduates from the first cohort of ACT Online students who obtained her certificate with distinction, describes her reasons for enrolling: “I wanted to improve my qualification, but as a mother of three small children, it was a challenge. This course enabled me to study during the evenings at home, without any additional expenses, since there was no need to travel or to attend contact sessions.”

Khesa Mojabeng, who specialises in Foundation-Phase education and also qualified with distinction, says of her journey: “Online training is a great alternative to traditional learning. The ACT Online was most convenient for me, as I was able to study at my own time, at my own pace, and in the comfort of my home. Our tutors were always well-prepared and available to help when needed, even teaching us how to be computer literate. Graduating from this programme has meant a lot to me because I have gained many skills on how to develop the little ones, to give them the skills and values they need when they leave primary school.”

Tanja agrees: “This qualification has helped me to teach with greater confidence. All the modules were relevant and I could implement what I learnt immediately in my daily teaching. I would most definitely recommend that others in my profession enrol for this course. It is convenient and user-friendly, and the online lessons are clear and easy to understand. Our online facilitators were always very friendly, available, and willing to help us.”

Proud of achievement

Prof Daniella Coetzee, Principal: South Campus, said: “We are immensely proud of our two students, Khesa and Tanja, who obtained distinctions for their ACT Online, especially since this is the first cohort of ACT Online students who graduated.” Prof Coetzee added: “I see this qualification making a huge difference in the lives of teachers, and, by implication, also in the lives of thousands of learners around the country.”

For teachers interested in pursuing an Advanced Teaching Certificate (ACT), all admission and enrolment information is available on the ACT online website.