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06 November 2020
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Story Rulanzen Martin
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Photo Supplied
Dr Tronél Hellberg, UFS alumna, completed her PhD in Music from the OSM in 2018.
The COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent lockdown has posed many challenges. Not only has it distrupted our normal way of life it but has created a ‘new normal.’ Even in these trying times, alumni from the University of the Free State (UFS) have adjusted to the new normal by going above and beyond to make it as normal as possible.
One of these is Dr Tronél Hellberg, an alumna from the
Odeion School of Music at the UFS, who has supported Grade 12 learners by presenting free online prescribed music theory classes. The classes are beneficial for learners following the CAPS or IEB curriculum. “I trust the online videos will assist learners and teachers to get through this challenging Grade 12 year,” says Dr Hellberg. She has
recorded more than 38 live videos on her
G-Sential Theory of Music Facebook page.
The recordings are accessible to Grade 12 learners and their teachers at no cost. Dr Hellberg established the
G-Sential Theory of Music in 2007 and has since published 20 theory of music books.
Apart from assisting in teaching, one of her main objectives is to reach less fortunate learners who do not have access to music teachers. “Grade 12 music literacy requires an accumulative understanding of theory of music,” she says. With her initiative she also aims to “fill any gaps” to solidify knowledge and information which might still be unclear.
We are a true University of the Future
2011-11-07
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Gavin Dollman, researching the power of brainwaves controlling robots.
Photo: Igno van Niekerk
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One of the most interesting studies currently being done at the University of the Free State, is Gavin Dollman’s investigation into how our brainwaves can be used to manipulate a robot which can be connected to a computer.
Gavin is doing research for a master’s degree, and his field of study reminds one of futuristic movies like Star Trek and The Matrix. Gavin uses a computer headset which is commercially sold and used to make computer games more interactive. Gavin has written software that assists a user with the headset in manoeuvring Lego robots in different directions. He is now investigating how several factors influence a person’s ability to direct the Lego robots. According to Gavin, the application of this technology might even assist a person in having an extra sense which can be “controlled” by the power of your brainwaves.
It is when one see this kind of work being done at the UFS that we realize once again why we are a University of the Future!