Tablet Technology – helping your child improve his learning

Gerda Maré (Southdowns College Preparatory School) • April 5, 2019

A woman is sitting on a couch holding two children and looking at a tablet.

We are living in an age where new technological advances are being made at a shocking rate and the truth is that the use of technology is becoming more important in our daily lives. We cannot ignore the fact that our children are 21st century learners who have access to more knowledge on their smartphones and tablets than we have ever learned during all our years at school or spent studying. It would be futile to ignore the impact these devices have on our children and the way in which they learn.

Almost every child has, or has access to a smart phone or similar device such as an iPad or a tablet. These devices have the potential to be valuable sources of knowledge, helpful teaching tools and motivators of learning. Unfortunately, quite often it is only used as a gaming platform and our children rarely use their smart devices for other reasons than entertainment, social media and playing games.

Studies proving the benefits of using iPads in the classroom range from Preschoolers using devices getting better results for literacy than their peers not using devices, to iPad-equipped medical students scoring 23% higher in their final exams than previous classes who were unequipped.

Our job as teachers and parents is to guide our children toward using smart devices not merely as a toy, but as an educational tool. Although we might think that our children are very clever in being able to use a device, we are fooled if we think they can teach themselves how to transform the toy into a tool. As with most things in life, they still need the guiding hand of teachers and parents in helping them to find information safely and to use appropriate apps in different learning situations.

The good news is that children are willing to explore the possibilities of eLearning, as they find the idea of using a device in the classroom quite appealing. They are more willing to switch on their iPads than they are in opening a book, as the device gives the feeling of “the fun is about to begin”. Learners who are reluctant to start writing are less reluctant to start a similar activity on the device. Activities can be redesigned to allow completion on the iPad or tablet, challenging students on a different and often more practical level.

Having access to this technology can also extend the classroom to the home. Educational apps are available for any age, ability level and subject. With apps such as Quizlet and Edmodo, rote learning and self-testing can improve a child’s memory, assisting in more effective test preparation and ultimately better results. Improving your child’s literacy and Maths skills at home while using appropriate apps can also help him perform better in class. Apps such as Reading Eggs, Epic and News-O-Matic will improve his reading comprehension and general knowledge.

Often, children can be bored with content that is taught in class, or want to find out more about specific topics. Discovery learning takes place when children discover the treasure of educational platforms such as Khan Academy and TedTalks. Using Youtube (and the recently released YouTubeKids) can be used as much for educational videos than for entertainment.

Although technology can never replace a good teacher, it can help your child be a better learner. Embrace the fact that iPads and tablets are part of our reality and that we should harness its possibilities to assist in your child’s education now, while inevitably waiting for the next amazing technology to improve even upon these devices.

< Older Post Newer Post >

SDC Open Day: Showcasing the Best of the Best

By Anoyolo Ndzamela • October 6, 2025

Southdowns College’s second open day of 2025 was an absolute success! Various departments of the school came together to showcase the excellence that the school provides and highlighted the values of integrity, hard work and humility that the school stands for. All the newly elected SEC members provided tours of the campus and explained the environment in which the future pupils will be in - one conducive for growth. It is a difficult task to encapsulate all the school has to offer into a few minutes, but the prefects went above and beyond to ensure that parents were left with a sparkling impression. The teachers invested their hearts and soul into their mini exhibitions, experiments, decorations and (most importantly) explaining what is offered in their respective subjects to the parents. Simultaneously, the Sports and Culture departments put together performances and workshops, to display the wonders and talents of Southdowns College. Not only did the wind blow strongly through the trees – the parents’ socks were blown off! A job well done, College!

What Does it Mean to Wear the Black Blazer?

By Rofhiwa Sipho Tshikhudo • October 6, 2025

At Southdowns College, the rust blazer unites us all. It is the symbol of belonging, of being part of something bigger than ourselves. But for the Black Blazer? It’s not just uniform, but a statement. The Black Blazer is earned – it isn’t handed out for show. It is a commitment to service, leadership and discipline. Wearing it doesn’t elevate us above anyone, it places us under the everlasting pressure of great power and greater responsibility. We don’t wear the blazer for status: we wear it because we chose to serve, and because the school community expects us to deliver. We serve the blazer, it does not serve us. Every morning when we put it on, we are reminded: “We represent more than ourselves. Our peers look to us for guidance; our teachers trust us to carry the values of Southdowns, and our actions reflect on the entire SEC.” That is no small weight... it isn’t supposed to be. The blazer demands respect – not because of its colour, but because of the responsibility stitched into it. It is a promise to lead by example, to stand firm when it’s easier to sit back, to make tough calls, and to act when silence would be easier. It is a challenge to work harder, listen better, and to push ourselves further. The Black Blazer does not make us special. What makes it special is that it holds us accountable every single day. It demands humility, pride, and strength. It reminds us that leadership isn’t about being seen – its about making a difference, even when no one is watching. This is why we wear it with conviction. This is why it matters. The Black Blazer is not about privilege. It is about service. It is about being the best version of ourselves.

The Black Blazer – A New Chapter Begins

By Jayden Paulse • October 6, 2025

There are a few moments you will never forget during your high school career: your first day in grade 8; the first test you failed; your first crush. However, few shine as bright as the moment being inducted into the Student Executive Council (SEC) of 2025/2026. On 3 September 2025, the new prefect body’s blood, sweat and tears were finally acknowledged as they were cheered onto the stage by peers, teachers, parents and their predecessors (the SEC of 2024/2025). The road to acquiring the black blazer is never easy: rounds of voting, hours putting in the extra work to prove yourself, while trying to cheer on your friends and competing against them at the same time, is no easy feat. None of the new SEC members knew their portfolios or the role that they would be playing for the next 12 months before being called upon. The atmosphere was tense with anticipation and bitter-sweet moments: while not all the prefects got the role their hearts desired, every one of them knew what a privilege it was to be walking the stage and exchanging their rust blazer for their black one. Amongst the nerves were moments of pride, tears and joy as the school community watched parents beam at their children’s accomplishments, signing their declaration to the school and taking their seats. The crowd also cooed at the cute childhood photos that were sported proudly next to their current school photo. The adorable kindergarten faces and poses simply won over everyone’s hearts! To our new SEC of 2025/2026: CONGRATULATIONS! We know that the journey has not been easy and is far from being done. We look forward to seeing your vision for Southdowns College come to fruition and seeing what story your lanterns will tell!