Wireless Internet Connection for Teaching and learning in Rural Schools of South Africa: The University of Limpopo TV White Space Trial Project

Abstract

There is a need for technological advancement in teaching and learning especially in mixed development economies such as South Africa. Lately, the vacant channels within the television spectrum known as white spaces are used to deliver wireless internet connection through the geo-location databases. This connection of internet through the TV white spaces is believed to have positive effects on teaching and learning especially for the previously disadvantaged schools mostly located in rural areas and townships. The benefits of using Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) for teaching and learning includes improved interaction amongst students and teachers; development of critical thinking; data collection and analysis skills and improved class participation, among others. However, there are also challenges which are associated with teaching and learning using ICT which include, among others, lack of teacher training to use ICT; requirements of the national curricula and lack of infrastructure. This paper outlines the benefits and challenges of using TV white spaces for internet connection in rural and township schools. The University of Limpopo TV White Spaces trial project is used as a case study to illustrate the benefits and challenges thereof. The paper then concludes that the use of ICT have the ability to positively improve teaching and learning in South Africa’s rural and township schools.

DOI: 10.5901/mjss.2014.v5n15p381