Riefqah Sasman, an English teacher who uses technology to enhance the learning experience, has been selected as one of the top teachers in the province.
The Western Cape Education Department (WCED) announced the names of the top teachers in each of the 10 categories on Friday November 8.
The awards recognise excellence in teaching and education leadership and provide an opportunity to showcase and celebrate excellence throughout the education system.
It follows a rigorous selection process in all eight education districts of the province and regional finals involving clusters of districts. The provincial winners will now compete in the national competition.
Ms Sasman received the Excellence in Technology — Enhanced Teaching and Learning Award.
She is an English First Additional Language teacher, and manages the information communication and technology (ICT) team at Heideveld High School.
Ms Sasman also conducts workshops to empower her fellow teachers on how to integrate technology in the classroom.
She has been described as passionate, vibrant, energetic and highly dedicated.
Ms Sasman is also responsible for the development of online material, including the uploading of material to the pupil management system, pupil devices and other new technology.
She develops presentations, multimedia animations, podcasts, tutorials and graphics to support learning and organises development activities incorporating best practices in visual and multimedia design.
Ms Sasman is currently a WCED bursary holder pursuing her BEd Honours in Computer-Integrated Education.
She has developed an English First Additional Language (FAL) website where pupils can download information about the subject. A QR code that she designed, gives pupils access to the Heideveld High’s website.
Statistics show that over 750 pupils and 300 teachers have benefited from her facilitation in ICT in the past three years. Part of the collaborative tools that she is using include Google docs, Padlet and the LMS system.