Case Study: Ligbron Academy of Technology expands e-learning to rural schools and boosts teacher confidence with SMART Technologies

e-Learning project expands to include rural schools

Ligbron Academy of Technology, based in Ermelo, South Africa, runs technical and academic programmes for about 920 pupils and set out to raise the standard of teaching and learning by sharing SMART interactive technology with remote rural schools. The challenge was to bridge the urban–rural digital divide and improve outcomes in math and science across a sparsely populated region with limited resources.

Ligbron deployed SMART Boards, SMART software and Bridgit video-conferencing over a wireless network to link classrooms across a 50‑km radius, trained teachers to use the tools, and expanded the project from three pilot schools to five (with further roll‑out planned). The initiative increased teacher confidence in maths and science, boosted pupil engagement, attendance and discipline, and created new enthusiasm and broader learning opportunities in the participating rural schools.

Ligbron Academy of Technology