Falling in love with EdTech, implementing it in class using my cellphone from 2000

I am Phuti Ragophala, a retired school principal from Pula Madibogo Primary School in Mankweng, Polokwane, Limpopo Province, South Africa. Although I have formally retired from my position, I remain deeply committed to educational development. Retirement, for me, has not meant rest—it has meant renewed purpose. My passion for innovation in education led me to embrace Artificial Intelligence (AI) immediately upon its introduction in South Africa.

This enthusiasm is rooted in my personal journey. I come from a rural background where, in 1965, my first Sub A classroom was conducted under a tree, with learners writing on the ground using their index fingers. Experiencing such conditions instilled in me a lifelong desire to drive meaningful change in education. In 2006, I became one of the pioneering principals to introduce Educational Technology (EdTech) to Grade 7 learners, inspired by Microsoft Education's online programs. At that time, technology integration in classrooms was neither common nor supported by formal policy.

The initiative of MASTEC by the former Minister of Education in Limpopo around 2006 inspired me a lot in such a way that I was one of the teachers who volunteered to share the skills through training teachers in the neighboring schools and my colleagues.

My efforts were met with resistance, criticism, and, at times, isolation. Despite these challenges, I remained steadfast in my vision. Using my personal cellphone as a teaching tool, I guided learners in creating email accounts, communicating with their parents, conducting online research, producing digital artwork, and developing written work using Microsoft Word. Over time, the School Governing Body, teachers, parents, and learners embraced this approach, recognizing its value in enhancing teaching and learning. Due to limited resources and policy constraints, I initiated additional Saturday classes dedicated to EdTech, hosted at the nearby University of Limpopo, located approximately 800 meters from the school. These sessions were not without risk, as I was cautioned that I would be personally liable for any lost or damaged devices—an especially significant concern given my financial circumstances.

Nevertheless, I persisted. What sustained me was the growing support from stakeholders and the visible impact on learners. Teachers within my school began adopting similar methods, and neighboring schools joined for training and collaboration. These Saturday sessions evolved into a platform for shared learning, innovation, and community development—all driven by a spirit of volunteerism and collective progress. I consistently incorporated tools such as PowerPoint to simulate lessons and encouraged learners to engage in project-based learning by creating their own content.

Through platforms like Skype, learners connected with peers globally, broadening their perspectives and enhancing their creativity. Even today, I remain actively engaged in education, collaborating with teachers, university students, and community members to explore the effective use of AI. I regularly attend and host webinars focused on AI literacy, empowering educators to integrate technology meaningfully into their teaching practices. On 28 April, I participated in a webinar hosted by the University of South Africa on “AI Feedback Literacy.” In response, I shared the following reflection: "I believe we need more webinars focused on artificial intelligence, as it remains a new concept for many. Continuous engagement through meaningful discussions will deepen our understanding and bring clarity. Open dialogue helps demystify AI, reducing fear, doubt, and skepticism.

Through ongoing interaction, we can build confidence and learn to integrate AI meaningfully and relevantly into our daily lives." — Phuti Ragophala, South Africa. My contributions to education and innovation were formally recognized when I was nominated for and awarded the Presidential National Award, the Order of the Baobab, by the President of South Africa, His Excellency Cyril Ramaphosa in 2023.

Thank you, Microsoft Education, and the various supervisors that I crossed paths with, for opening my eyes at a very early age to EdTech literacy and education. The seeds that you planted have grown into a big tree with a shade that benefits all the people who are keen to be the changemakers and trailblazers in educational matters. I thank you