'Cost of education is high- the price of ignorance is even higher"

1. A presentation to the Portfolio Committee on Communication on the Convergence Bill, 23 August 2005Ron Beyers – Ulwazi Project Manager 'Cost of education is high- the price of ignorance is even higher"

2. Brief Background - Ron Beyers • 25 Years of teaching experience • Managed a Multi Million Rand Computer Centre • Chairperson of Gauteng Schools Network • Masters Degree in Education • Director of Technology, St Alban's College • Project Manager, Ulwazi project • Taught over 1000 teachers – Outreach projects

3. Origins of the Ulwazi project • DoC meeting • St Alban's Outreach Project • Partners include: • Department of Communications (Mr Richard Gerber) • Motorola (Mr Ronnie Seeber) • Omega Digital Technologies • SchoolNet South Africa • Sangari • EduAdmin • Others

4. The Ulwazi Network • Modiri High • TshwaneNorthern College • Mamelodi High • 1.5 km • 2 km • 3 km Lynnwood Ridge Shopping complex used as a relay site to provide line-of-sight links between St. Alban’s and Mamelodi • GatangComprehensive • MAMELODI TOWNSHIP • 8 km • LYNNWOOD • GLEN • St. Alban’sCollege • 2 km All broadband connectivity is via Canopy broadband technology • Computer Centre • Design and Technology Centre

5. What is the Ulwazi project? • Virtual interactive and collaborative e-learning • SMART Boards, web cams, microphones, speakers, etc. • Access to shared resources • Closed broadband network • Going beyond the confines of constricted dial-up education

6. What is the Ulwazi project? • Broadband connectivity removing barriers of access to learning • International exposure (CNN) • Top 4 finalists Wireless Broadband Innovators Award 2005

7. The real Problem • Existing Telecommunications Act • Section 41(2) • a single piece of land or contiguous pieces • Must get capacity from Telkom

8. Issue #1 • ICASA only be prepared to grant a temporary licence for experimental purposes, only for three months and that renewal of the licence is not guaranteed • Eight months Ulwazi Application

9. Issue #2 • Many schools would like to have a similar network but are not be able to get a licence for such a network

10. Issue #3 • Broadband wireless connectivity has the potential to be a major aid in solving South Africa's educational crisis • The act is a stumbling block in the way of leveraging this potential

11. Issue #4 • There is no justification for withholding from schools the tremendous benefits that broadband networks can provide, as has been demonstrated with the Ulwazi network.

12. Issue #5 • It is urgent that the limitations of section 41(2) are reviewed, so that all schools, urban and rural, could get the benefits of broadband connectivity.

13. Issue #6 • The regulator should be empowered and obligated, by the Convergence Bill, to grant licences for this type of project. • Such projects must be Zero Rated for educational purposes.

14. Issue #7 • Vision for the development of interactive e-learning by means of broadband connectivity in schools • Additional services such as health can also be included

15. Future Vision

16. Future Vision • Project goes beyond Gauteng on-line • More emphasis on interactivity not just connectivity • Creates Learning Communities that are connected • Project is replicable and sustainable • Micro to National Grid of learning • Sharing common resources • Education material on demand • District Offices scenario • Substitute teachers • ONLY POSSIBLE WITH A LICENCE

17. Convergence Bill • Removal of serious impediments in the existing Telecommunications Act. • Zero Rated Educational Licence • Leverage true potential of digital revolution

18. Thank You Ron Beyers Director of Technology, St Alban’s College www.stalbanscollege.com Project Manager, Ulwazi Project www.ulwaziproject.co.za beyersr@stalbanscollege.com 0833108843