Computer Skills for Africa blogs

Primary Curriculum in action

john — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 13:10:21 +0000

We recently taught 16 learners from Grace Mission School and Aletheia computer skills using the Primary curriculum. Ruan Butler managed to make a video of the action.

Free Grade 1 Sample

Free Grade 4 sample

Free High School Curriculum Sample

New Release of Primary Curriculum

greta — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 12:14:17 +0000

Think outside the lines, ignore the imaginary boundaries!

Kids in primary school can very well handle most Office applications. We just need to give them suitable activities. The new release of the CS4A Primary School curriculum has over 300 exciting activities in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint; it uses Internet and e-mail, and we have added introductions to graphics, programming and web design. This will equip the learners with all the essential skills that they need in high school. As before, it comes with beautifully laid out teachers guides, completed activities, admin files and a host of free software.

There are no monthly fees, and next year you get the upgrade at 50% discount!

What a bargain!

Great value for money!

Wow! A 50% discount!

Order today and get the 2012 version at the 2011 price!

You can buy it through the website using PayPal and we’ll mail you a download link, or you can do an Electronic Funds Transfer if you prefer. We can also post you the CD and the books according to your order.

WIN!

Stand a chance to win the complete Primary School curriculum for computer skills from Grade 1–7!

We are currently running a competition in The Child magazine. Luckily, they also have an online version, so hurry and go to childmag.co.za

Download Free Samples

Download free samples of our awesome curriculum from the links below.

Free Primay Curriculum Sample

Free High School Curriculum Sample

The strange solution to your computer teaching problem

greta — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 08:38:36 +0000

Just like you, I used to worry about what was being taught in the computer centre.

I worried constantly about the thousands of rands of computer equipment going to waste and it made me miserable. I was afraid of losing the computer centre. I was afraid of not using the computer centre. It made my stomach turn every time I thought of learners in the computer centre doing silly things, or worse, looking at blank screens—not learning how to use computers.

It was just miserable.

And I really feel for anyone else putting up with an empty computer centre.

But you know what?

It doesn’t have to be this way.

You see, one day while I was talking to colleagues, I had a kind of weird idea about how to solve my computer centre problem. I decided to develop a friendly and affordable computer curriculum that contains challenging and fun computer concepts. I decided to include things like internet research, programming (using scratch), web design, and using PowerPoint to make presentations to the whole school.

The best thing, anyone can teach it. It’s so easy to use that even your most computer illiterate teacher can teach using this curriculum.

So I tried it to see what would happen.

And much to my surprise … it worked!

In fact it worked so quickly I almost thought it was a fluke.

Go here for the details:

Primary Curriculum
or phone 034 326 4624

It DOES work.

And I believe it can eliminate your computer teaching problem, too.

I show you exactly what I did and how you can do the same thing in my Primary Curriculum (PC) product over at:

Primary Curriculum

But hurry.

Right now it’s priced low.

That won’t be the case forever.

Grab it today and watch your computer teaching problem vanish by tomorrow.

P.S. If you buy the Primary Curriculum Solid today, I’ll also give you software worth over R500.

You will get 4 units per grade.
Each unit has enough activities for 1 school term.
Software for programming and web design included.
14 Schools have signed up in the last 6 months.
All the class admin files are included.

But you can’t put this off.

Go here for the details:

Primary Curriculum
or phone 034 326 4624

The best computer course deal this year

greta — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 06:00:16 +0000

I was talking to a friend on Saturday and she said she wanted a new computer because her machine is really very old. So I said we are actually selling our desktop PC’s maybe you want to buy one of them? She said how old are they and why are you selling them?

So I told her we are replacing our desktop PC’s with laptops so we can take the training to the people instead of them taking time off away from the office. And in any case nowadays people are more interested in training on laptops. Our PC’s are 3 years old, they have flat screen monitors, they are in excellent condition - they don’t get used continuously like in an office, it’s a good deal at R 3000. You get the software with it.

Yes, she said but why would I buy a second hand machine if I can get a new one for that price? Well, strictly speaking you don’t get a new machine with these specs and the software for that price, but I saw her point.

In the same conversation she also said she was interested in learning to do a web site, can I help her?

So that is how we made a deal; it’s called a Package Deal, and you can also benefit from it if you like!

For R 3000, you get a refurbished desktop PC with flat screen monitor, keyboard and mouse, and genuine Microsoft software. If you take the Package Deal, we give you R 500 discount on any computer course of your choice.

Interested? All you have to do is send an SMS with the word DEAL to 082 331 4909 and we’ll contact you with the details!

Gaudeamus Igitur, Juvenes Dum Sumus!

greta — Wed, 31 Aug 2011 10:29:14 +0000

The first lines of this song mean “So let us rejoice while we are young!” It is traditionally sung at graduations and expresses our joy in receiving an academic award. Marilize Koch and Chantalle Prins gave an outstanding life performance of this song during the recent Computer Skills for Africa graduation which was held at St Dominic’s Academy.

CS4A graduates, both young and not so young, had reason to rejoice indeed.

On 1 July 2011 a total of 153 achievements were celebrated. Close to 100 of these were municipal employees who successfully completed the SAQA accredited General Computer Practice. This was the happy conclusion of a 2 year contract with Newcastle municipality which affected Community Services, Corporate Services, Technical Services, Planning and Development and Financial Services.

1 Equalskills, 11 Start ICDL, 8 Full ICDL and 3 Advanced ICDL certificates were also awarded. In her address Greta Bosiers, owner of CS4A, explained that CS4A introduced ICDL in Newcastle in 2001, which was just 1 year after ICDL was introduced in South Africa. A special mention was made of Louis Van Heerden who at the tender age of 17 has already completed Advanced Word Processing, Advanced Spreadsheets and Advanced Presentations. He achieved his full ICDL while in Grade 8 at Dundee High School!

Some achievers completed their computer training at CS4A satellites in Volksrust, Dundee or Manguzi and unfortunately not everyone was able to attend the glamorous ceremony.

Mrs Diane Naudé was the honoured guest speaker and emphasised the need for skills development in South Africa as well as life-long-learning. Her passion for teaching and learning was clearly conveyed and we thank her for her encouraging words!

We urge graduates to collect any outstanding certificates and photographs from our training centre in 18 Harding Street.

Sincere congratulations to each and every achiever, we are very proud of you!

Photos

July 1 2011 Graduation Photo's

john — Thu, 28 Jul 2011 06:57:29 +0000

Over 120 photo's from the graduation ceremony held on 1 July 2011.

Link to Photo's

1 July Graduation Ceremony

greta — Thu, 09 Jun 2011 13:59:56 +0000

Computer Skills for Africa invites you cordially to attend the Certificate Ceremony on 1 July 2011.

Please read the details below carefully and return the reply slip to us before Wednesday 15 June.

Venue:

St Dominic's Academy Hall, 148 Murchison Street.

Date:

1 July 2011

Time:

10:00

Guests:

As a recipient of a certificate you are welcome to bring a guest. Guests are charged R 50 each. This is payable with the Reply slip or at the door on the day of the ceremony.

Gowns:

Academic gowns are not necessary but you are welcome to bring your own. There will also be some gowns available to have your photo taken as well as Computer Skills for Africa hoods. You can order your own hood afterwards.

Graduation fee:

Certificate, entertainment and refreshments, and 1 photo graph. R100.

Photos:

The CS4A photographer will be on hand for individual photos and group photos. Copies of these photos will be available at the ceremony and afterwards at our offices. You are welcome to bring along a memory stick to take a copy at no charge. Prints can be ordered at R 25 for Jumbo size and R 50 for A4. Money is to accompany your order.

Tea:

Recipients and guests can stay for tea and cake after the ceremony.

Programme:

9:30 Arrival of Guests
10:00 Welcome
10:15 Musical Item
10:30 Guest Speaker Address
11:00 Handing out of Certificates
12:00 Photo session
12:15 Tea
13:00 End

Please contact Ntombi or George to book.

Computer Training Specials

john — Mon, 11 Apr 2011 19:48:12 +0000

How often do you think, "I want to learn more."

Learning a new skill or improving your skills takes time. You know you want to and you know it will help you, but life gets in the way. You find excuses to do anything. Most of the time those excuses actually do make sense.

Here's the thing, ignoring skills training stops you from becoming better.

How do you get out of the rut?

Try this interesting experiment on yourself. It won't take long, I promise and you may even enjoy it.

Still reading? Good, you're going to need some space. Read the instructions carefully, they're not difficult to follow and will only take a minute of your time.

Start hitting yourself on your arm. I'm right handed, do I'll hit my left arm. Try and hurt yourself.
When it starts to hurt, ask yourself this: "What can I do to stop the pain in my left arm?"
Pretty easy to figure out hey.

Here's what I learnt from doing this exercise: when something causes you pain, stop doing it.

If you're still reading this you're probably wondering what this has to do with computer training. Well it's the same as stopping the pain except instead of stopping, you need to start. Just start.

To help make the decision easier, cs4a has three awesome specials for you to consider.

Zero to Hero

Learn everything you need to know about Excel, Word, Access, or PowerPoint. From knowing zero, to becoming the office hero. Basic skills and advanced skills are taught. You will never need help again.

How much will it cost?

The course normally costs R4260, but you can just start now for the incredible low price of R3000.

Web Design

Learn the basics of web design. From HTML and css to the latest html5 and css3. Learn about layout and typography. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity. Stop using the web and start creating it.

What does it cost?

You would expect to pay R6000 for this course. If you sign up before Easter 2011, you can complete the course for only R3600. Just start.

Linux Professional

Become a certified Linux Professional by completing LPIC-101 and LPIC-102. You will spend at least 40 hours coming to grips with Linux. LPIC is a fantastic qualification to have.

How much do you pay for this course?

Instead of paying R10520, you can start for only R7000. An incredible saving of R3520.

What are you waiting for?

Stop hurting yourself and start your computer training.

Zero to hero for only R3000.
Web Design for only R3600.
Linux Professional for only R7000.

Start now. Phone John on 034 326-4624 or Send an email with your contact details to us. We love training people and we would love train you to improve your computer skills.

Primary Curriculum | Interview with Miss Swanepoel from Drakensberg Primary

greta — Fri, 08 Apr 2011 09:58:12 +0000

Miss Bianca Swanepoel is also at Drakensberg and teaches the Grade 4.s as well as an English Grade 5 class.

Greta: Morning Miss Swanepoel. Can I observe the class for a while and can we talk after the lesson?
Miss Swanepoel: That—s fine!
Greta: (From interaction with the learners I can tell that they are struggling a bit but are enthusiastic and enjoying their lesson. It is an English Grade 5 class)
Greta: I see you have quite a challenge, how do you feel about the curriculum?
Miss Swanepoel: Dit is baie oulik, daar is net een problem, veral met my Engelse klasse , hulle ken glad nie rekenaars nie en hulle kry swaar. Die oefeninge is te moeliik vir hulle en hulle maak verskriklike foute. The save as is almost impossible to teach properly and to go to their own folder.
Greta: Jy is welkom om die laer grade se werk te gebruik. Ons het dit net verdeel, maar jy kan dit aanpas. Wat van die graad 1, 2 en 3 werk? Hulle moet liewer iets doen wat hulle ken en dan vorder soos hulle kan. The problem about saving as also came up with Mr Talke, so I suggested making the files Read-Only before you put them on the computers. That way the learners are forced to go to save as and change the name or location.
Miss Swanepoel: Ok, that will help.
Greta: Which parts of the curriculum did you print out?
Miss Swanepoel: Only the Teachers Guides.
Greta: How much time would you say is taken up for preparation and or admin for these lessons?
Miss Swanepoel: About half an hour a week, I do the activities for my classes for the coming week.
Greta: Is the curriculum easy to understand; are there any difficult parts?i
Miss Swanepoel: There are no difficult parts so far.
Greta: What qualification and / or experience do you have with regard to computers?
Miss Swanepoel: Actually none. I sort of know my way around a computer but that—s all. I—m still studying as well.
Greta: If we can help, maybe when your studies are finished, you could enrol for a computer course with us?
Miss Swanepoel: Yes, that would be nice . I must just find the time!

Do you want to teach using our curriculum?

Send us an email with your details and we'll contact you with more information

Drakensberg Primêre Skool

Primary Curriculum

Primary Curriculum | Interview with Mr Talke from Drakensberg Primary

greta — Tue, 05 Apr 2011 13:27:56 +0000

Drakensberg Primary School, opted for the Excellent version for grade 4, 5, 6 and 7.

I thank you kindly for your time and look forward to our next meeting!

This is an interview with Mr Shane Talke, who uses the CS4A curriculum with grades 5, 6, and 7. He has Afrikaans medium classes and some English medium classes.
- Greta: Morning Mr Talke. Will it be alright if I observe the class for a while and can we talk after the lesson?
- Mr Talke: No problem, we have 10 minutes left in this lesson.
- Greta: (From interaction with the learners I can tell that they are very confident and are obviously enjoying their lesson. It is an Afrikaans Grade 5 class)
- Greta: I see the kids are enthusiastic, how do you feel about the curriculum?
- Mr Talke: It‘s very nice once it is on all the computers, we had only one problem, and that is if the kids save at the end, they save over the existing file, so I have to walk around and make sure that they do save as and go to their own folder. I do that in the beginning of the lesson, and then they can start the activity.
- Greta: Of course that must be a hassle. We can prevent that problem by making the files Read-Only before you put them on the computers. That way the learners are forced to go to save as and change the name or location.
- Mr Talke: Ok, We‘ll do that from now on. The curriculum came on DVD so I first had to copy it onto a CD because our computers only read CD‘s. But that‘s OK.
- Greta: I see you have printed some of the curriculum. Which parts did you print out?
- Mr Talke: Only the Teachers Guides. There is no time to use all the assessments so I choose one of them and I‘ll print that out when I need it.
- Greta: Have you printed any of the learners‘ work or examples for the class room or posters?
- Mr Talke: No, we haven‘t. There is no printer in the classroom at the moment so that would be difficult.
- Greta: How much time would you say is taken up for preparation and or admin for these lessons?
- Mr Talke: Preparation takes me about half an hour a week, I just go over the activities for all my classes for the coming week, which is grades 5, 6 and 7‘s, I do the activities for myself. Hardly any time is spent on admin.
- Greta: Is the curriculum easy to understand; are there any difficult parts?
- Mr Talke: It‘s a very nice program and you know exactly what‘s going on. There is no wasted time; everything is explained step by step.
- Greta: Wow, that‘s nice to hear, that was precisely our intention! Can I ask what qualification and / or experience you have with regard to computers?
- Mr Talke: I did Advanced Office with a local college and taught TD with CAD and 3D Design, so I have a few years of computer experience under my belt.
- Greta: Nice, I‘m delighted! Maybe you would consider getting an ICDL? (I explain briefly that is an internationally recognised qualification on general computer literacy and that candidates need to pass the 7 exams to get qualified. Mr Talke would not need to attend class, he could just do the diagnostics and the exams only!)
- Greta: Do you feel that there should be an Afrikaans version of the curriculum?
- Mr Talke: Yes, it would be nice to have some activities in their mother tongue.
- Greta: What general comments do you have on the curriculum? Can you give us any tips for improvement?
- Mr Talke: It‘s very user friendly and the kids enjoy it a lot! Some are quick to finish and then I give them the next activity. The teachers Guides could use some more explanation in some places, e.g. which colours to use. The LEARNIBG plan GROUPS ALL THE Word activities first and then the Excel activities etc, but it looks like different in the Teachers Guide.
- Greta: Hmm, that‘s interesting; we will need to check that out. The sequence is supposed to be the same, although the teacher can obviously change that if he/she wants to.