Meet the Winners of UKZN’s Student Competition on Technological Advancement and Education!

BY: .

Four remarkable students emerged as winners in the essay competition on: “The Critical Role of Technological Advancement in Shaping Education”, each one bringing unique insights from their different backgrounds. The competition - presented at the second Innovations in the Science of Teaching and Learning conference titled: “Bridging Ethics, Equity, and Innovation in Higher Education” - demonstrated the commitment of the University’s Teaching and Learning Office (UTLO) to include student perspectives in shaping the future of education. The winners each received high-end tablets as their prize.

1. The Journey from Port Shepstone to Digital Innovation

In her competition entry, Master’s student Ms Mapule Mbathu - whose journey began in Port Shepstone under the tutelage of her grandmother - offered a compelling vision of the democratising power of technology in education. Mbathu said: ‘I believe that technological advancements are profoundly reshaping education by making it more accessible to students from diverse backgrounds. ‘Online learning platforms and digital resources break down geographical barriers allowing learners to engage with high-quality educational content regardless of their location.’ Mbathu, who is already using her prize - a Lenovo tablet - for her research, added: ‘This isn’t just any tablet, it has been a game-changer for my research. With this tool I am able to record interviews clearly, take notes quickly and organise my data more efficiently.’

2. Combining Youth and Innovation

From the historic village of Isandlwana, 19-year-old Mr Siyabonga Khumalo brought new perspectives to the competition. The second-year Social Sciences student, who describes himself (with characteristic wit) as follows: ‘Although I might be short in stature, do not be misled as I embody a spirit and determination far greater than what the eye can see.’

Khumalo provided a comprehensive analysis of UKZN’s technological landscape in his entry. ‘My essay provided a critical analysis of technological integration in education evaluating the diverse digital technologies available at UKZN to pinpoint their strengths, weaknesses and their impact on shaping modern education,’ he said.

His victory meant more to him than just recognition: ‘Winning the student essay competition is an exhilarating honour. It validates the countless hours of research I dedicated to exploring how technology is revolutionising education.’

3. Rural Perspectives on Digital Transformation

Mr Mthobisi Mazibuko of Emmaus in Bergville and Mr Thulani Nkwanyana brought valuable insights from the rural context. Mazibuko, who is pursuing a postgraduate certificate in Education, emphasised how ‘the integration of technology has shifted the education paradigms from teacher-centred models to learner-centred approaches.’ However, he also pointed out the ethical challenges, including privacy concerns and the digital divide. Nkwanyana, a fourth-year Education student, highlighted the role of technology in democratising education, particularly for disadvantaged communities. In his personal experience technological advancements have helped him succeed in his studies and have had a positive impact on teaching efficiency.

The Vision of UTLO in Action

This competition is an example of UTLO’s commitment to promoting dialogue between students and staff about the future of education. By providing this platform, UTLO has not only recognised outstanding student submissions, but has also gathered valuable insights from those most directly impacted by educational innovation. The diverse backgrounds of the award holders - rural villages to urban centres - and their various academic pursuits have created a rich spectrum of perspectives on the role of technology in education. Their essays collectively paint a picture of hope, innovation and practical solutions to make education more accessible and effective through technology.

Click here for a video featuring the winners.

Words: NdabaOnline

Photographs: Albert Hirasen