Background
Ithuthuko was originally a business that focused on providing academic textbooks and videos for distance learning purposes. Since 2021 the business under its current business model, provides CPTD online training. Ithuthuko uses a tipping strategy in their platform as they did not develop a whole new platform for their CPTD training courses, but rather used their existing platform that was originally a business focused on providing academic textbooks and videos for distance learning purposes.
Motivation
Quality education is one of the sustainable development goals that can be achieved through digital innovation (World Economic Forum, 2016d). Ithuthuko is currently contributing towards quality education by providing teachers with access to quality training. One of the great challenges for teachers in rural areas is to access workshops and training facilities. They also contribute towards improvement in teacher agency, meaning that they expose teachers to an online learning environment which enables them to experience the possibilities which they can then apply in their own context as educators.
Ithuthuko currently delivers digital value to society in a variety of initiatives, one of which is providing access to any SACE registered teacher wanting to enrol and complete CPTD courses.
To deliver maximum value to society, Ithuthuko is working together with government and regulators (SACE) to ensure that all reaches of society can benefit from their value. They also work with and adhere to all SACE guidelines and have contact with education-based trade unions. Schools also regularly sponsor the subscription fees of their teachers to enable them to complete CPTD training.
Ithuthuko currently promotes trust in the use of digital technology in its users by ensuring the reliability of their systems. The platform reports the progress of the users to the regulating body, SACE, so that teachers do not have to, and they are able to rely on this process. They also currently build trust by consulting users and requesting feedback on their activities.
Material Development
Ithuthuko is contributing towards sustainability using digital technology by promoting the use of blended learning. The use of online learning is not only less resource intensive in terms of travel etc. but promotes accessibility which is no doubt essential for the new normal.
POPI Compliance
The use of an online platform enables Ithuthuko to easily gather information that could be used in data analytics if it complies with the Protection of Personal Information Act.
Ithuthuko is currently using the platform to collect information to enhance performance metrics but has not considered using the information to personalise their platform. All information used by Ithuthuko complies with the Protection of Personal Information Act.
Existing SACE compliant courses
| Course Name | CPTD Points | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| How / Why / What about CPTD | 5 points | 2 hours |
| Understanding and supporting learners and colleagues dealing with loss, bereavement, and grief | ||
| Important considerations for effective sexuality education | 5 points | 2 hours |
| Introduction to Personal Leadership Skills | 5 points | 2 hours |
| Dealing with Sensitive Topics - more than teaching | 5 points | 2 hours |
| Teacher wellness in the digital world (4IR) | 5 points | 2 hours |
| Dynamics in staffroom: develop healthy relationships with colleagues | 5 points | 2 hours |
| Educator, Learner dynamics | 5 points | 2 hours |
| Dealing with Cultural Diversity in the classroom | 5 points | 2 hours |
| Dealing with Test and Exam Anxiety | 5 points | 2 hours |
| Change Management | 5 points | 2 hours |
| Managing Politics in Schools | 5 points | 2 hours |
| Applying Health, Safety and Environmental Principles in the Workplace: Workplace Inspections – A Guide for Educators | 5 points | 2 hours |
| The skill of Effective Communication | 5 points | 2 hours |
| Basic Project Management – A Guide for Educators | 5 points | 2 hours |
| Introduction to Basic Counselling Skills for Educators | 5 points | 2 hours |
| Applying Safety, Health, and Environmental Principles in the Workplace: Legal Requirements and Regulations – A Guide for Educators | 5 points | 2 hours |
| An overview of the Divorce Child and the Teacher's role | 5 points | 2 hours |
| Dealing with Racism and Ethnicity in the School environment | 10 | 2 hours |
| Screen Time and social media | 5 points | 2 hours |
| Dealing with Teenage Depression and Suicide | 5 points | 2 hours |
| Caring and supporting Learners dealing with Trauma | 5 points | 2 hours |
| Accessing Professional Services for learners in need. Why, how and to who to refer learners for additional support. | 5 points | 2 hours |
| Gender and Sexuality | 5 points | 2 hours |
| School-Based Technology Planning | 10 | 2 hours |
| Digital Wellness | 10 | 2 hours |
| There is Hope when you Cope | 5 points | 2 hours |
| Understanding and Managing Emotional Intelligence | 5 points | 2 hours |
| Assessment in the 21st Century Classroom | 10 | 8 |