For too long, online learning was restricted to learners with access to laptops, e-mail, and data. M4Jam’s smartphone training technology replaces old school e-learning platforms with modern smartphone technology – developed by South Africans for South Africans!
SETAs
The Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs) were established in 2000 to manage the many skills development needs of the South African economy. As of March 2011, there are 21 SETAs, each which identifies the skills needs of its sector and then coordinates skills development and training to meet them. These could be anything from learnerships, and internships to various types of learning programmes and apprenticeships.
COVID-19 and its effect on the position of the SETAs
The COVID-19 crisis has caused enormous disruption to the lives of all South Africans. This also holds true in the skills development sector. A challenge encountered by the sector during this time of social distancing is the ongoing and even increased need for training, while at the same time face to face training has become fraught with risks and is therefore deemed inadvisable.
Numerous qualifications involve the mastering of knowledge and theory, as well as application (practical skills/work experience/simulated work experience) components, whilst different types of assessments are conducted throughout the training provision to evaluate, measure, and document the academic readiness, learning progress, skill acquisition, that counts towards the successful completion of the qualification.
Online training therefore needs to ensure the combination of the theoretical as well as practical components through skills learning or simulated work experience learning.
The SETAs generally forbid online or distance learning. In light of the current situation, they have, however, been obliged to acknowledge the reality facing the nation, which foresees at least some form of social distancing for an indefinite period. For this reason, they have conceded to relax regulations around the mode of delivery of qualifications on this sub-framework.
Key SETA requirements for training providers that use online learning platform
1. The provider must apply and register the online platform that they will use with the SETA
2. The platform must have easy access to the platform for learners, facilitators, assessors, and moderators
3. The platform must allow online access
3.1 Learner guidance
3.2 Learner support
3.3 Feedback
3.4 Assessments (theory and practical tasks)
3.5 Moderation
- Confidentiality
- Online access for persons with special needs
- Procedures as set by the SETA.
What M4Jam smart-phone technology offers
M4Jam’s mobile training technology replaces old school e-learning platforms with modern smartphone technology. This allows organisations to train all employees and not only senior white-collar staff that have access to laptops and Wi-Fi.
The user-friendly interface is designed for intuitive navigation by the learner at zero data cost to the user and white-labelled in your brand.
Our LMS Admin Portal is easy to navigate and manage. You can track and record learner information and results in real time, while complying with SETA requirements. Your training material is hosted on our LMS and managed by yourselves.
In conclusion
M4Jam’s smartphone training technology, accessible by all learners at zero data cost – developed by South Africans for South Africans!
Hennie Oosthuizen
M4Jam Executive: Mobile Training