WSU LEARNING & TEACHING DEPT RESPONDS TO 4th INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION

The nature of our jobs is changing; it requires skills that will be essential in future, because the Fourth Industrial Revolution has impacted all spheres of life.

International Computer Driving Computer (ICLD) in partnership with Walter Sisulu University (WSU) Human Resources department issued certificates to WSU staff candidates in Chiselhurst campus.

ICDL is the world’s leading computer skills certification. There are approximately 24,000 ICDL Accredited Test Centres (ATCs) across the world, and millions of people have engaged with ICDL programme.

Candidates had attended classes and some online classes, and took tests in the modules which are most relevant to their educational and professional requirements, thereby creating their ICDL Profile.

The ICDL programme defines the skills and competencies necessary to use a computer and common computer applications. It offers a wide range of modules including Computer Essentials, Word Processing and IT Security.

Dr Gogela-Smith, manager in Learning and Teaching Development (LTD) previously known as Centre for Learning and Teaching Development (CLTD) congratulated the candidates and appreciated the partnership with the institution.

“Before we struggled to get ICDL candidates because people have got multiply roles. We were lucky enough this time to work with HR department, in the past the course was mainly offered to academic staff but this time we have including admin staff. I really like to acknowledge staff that completed the course and also the lectures, and the compiler of the course Mdanyana,” she said.

She added that it is important for everyone to acquire these skills, because having insufficient skills that will be required in future is a bad investment.

Buffalo City Campus Instructional designer, Lungile Mdanyana outlined the benefits of the course and said the certificate is recognised international.

“We have adopted this frame work which is called a teacher framework; this frame work has got three types of knowledges which are content knowledge, pedagogical knowledge and technological knowledge. So as lecturer you must have these types of knowledges, as ICDL we are equipping lecturers with technological knowledge skills,” said Mdanyana.

He added that it is essential for everyone to have basic computer skills because in future information will be accessed through devices. He said these skills make candidates to be highly employable and they also increase productivity and confidence.

Kholeka Ntwasa, Writing Centre Coordinator said she has learnt a lot and that the skills she has learnt she will integrate them with her job.

“The tasks that we were doing were very motivating, as soon as I finish  a task was looking forward to the next one. The teachers were very helpful and they responded quicker when being needed,” she said.

By Mawande Mute