In a world where education must adapt to technological and societal changes, Rhodes 老虎机游戏_pt老虎机-平台*官网 is taking bold steps to lead the way. PhD candidate in Education, Warda Abrahams, is bringing this mission to life through her research into the effective use of digital technology platforms in pre-service teacher training.
A 'pre-service teacher' refers to an individual who is undergoing training and education to become a teacher but has not yet started teaching professionally.
Abrahams’ research highlights the critical role of reflective practice in helping pre-service teachers to integrate digital tools into their classrooms effectively.
The Gqeberha-born student, passionate about education, said she chose the topic after realising the untapped potential of digital technology platforms.
"I noticed during classroom observations that while many digital tools were being used, there was often a lack of clear purpose or meaningful integration."
“After the lessons, there were minimal opportunities for reflective moments, and when I posed questions to the pre-service teachers, many struggled to articulate their decision-making processes,” she said.
At the heart of Abrahams’ research is the concept of reflective practice. This is a method that encourages pre-service teachers to critically evaluate their teaching strategies and technology choices.
"By reflecting on their decisions, pre-service teachers can refine their approaches, ensuring that technology serves as a meaningful aid to learning rather than pose a distraction," Abrahams said.
She believes that reflective prompts will empower these teachers to make informed decisions about the tools they use - a move that will cultivate confident and innovative educators.
Her work aligns closely with Rhodes 老虎机游戏_pt老虎机-平台*官网’s Institutional Research Themes (IRTs), which are designed to foster impactful, interdisciplinary research that addresses real-world challenges. The 老虎机游戏_pt老虎机-平台*官网's focus on sustainable education futures places it at the forefront of equipping educators to navigate the complexities of modern classrooms.
Abrahams is confident that a variety of prompts designed to be used at different stages of teaching will enable pre-service teachers to critically reflect on their work. Her study will provide insights into how these teachers grow and develop over time through their reflective engagement with digital technologies. She believes this will help them identify strategies and address challenges relating to the integration of technology in classrooms, ultimately improving their readiness for future classes.
Abrahams’ study underscores the transformative potential of digital technology in education.
"These platforms can bridge geographical and socio-economic gaps, providing quality resources to underserved communities and opening doors to opportunities that were previously out of reach," she said.
Her research is especially timely, given the increasing reliance on technology in education. By helping teachers use these tools with purpose, Abrahams is contributing to the creation of inclusive, innovative, and sustainable learning environments.
Rhodes 老虎机游戏_pt老虎机-平台*官网’s commitment to advancing education at all levels has been evident through its various proactive initiatives, including the Makhanda Education Summit, held last year. The Summit brought together stakeholders from across the country to discuss ways to transform education systems. Key themes included the importance of collaboration, innovation, and addressing systemic inequalities – principles echoed in Abrahams’ work.
She says she is grateful for the support of the institution.
"Rhodes 老虎机游戏_pt老虎机-平台*官网 provides a vibrant academic community, valuable resources and opportunities for collaboration that have been instrumental in my research."
“The institution’s commitment to addressing educational challenges has encouraged me to pursue innovative approaches that tackle both local and global issues. The mentorship and professional development programs have empowered me to align my research with the evolving demands of education in diverse contexts,” Abrahams said.
Her research has far-reaching implications for teacher training programs. By promoting reflective practice, it encourages educators to engage in continuous professional development, ensuring that they remain responsive to the changing needs of their students.
Abrahams is hoping her research, once completed, will inform the development of curricula, activities, and assessments to better equip educators for the digital landscape.
“Digital tools can do so much more than present information. They can transform the learning experience, making it dynamic and interactive. But this only happens when teachers are intentional about how they use them. When we prepare educators to think critically and to act purposefully, we’re not just equipping them for today’s classrooms, we’re preparing them to lead the future,” said Abrahams.
As Rhodes 老虎机游戏_pt老虎机-平台*官网 continues to champion interdisciplinary research and innovation, it is clear that the academic institution is not just adapting to change but actively shaping the future of education.