Telephonic support for school projects

Computer Assisted Telephony Systems (CaTS) has developed an industry first software solution called “Dial-a-Tutor” that allows students to phone teachers and get over-the-phone advice on any school project.

The project was initiated by the Mpumalanga Department of Education as an endeavor to improve learner performance.

“We needed to be creative and think outside of our confines to improve the performance of learners in the Province. This initiative encourages learners to study from 18H00 to 20H00 knowing that should they encounter problems standby tutors are available to assist. It is accessible free to all learners in all grades. The intervention is direct to the subject area where a learner is experiencing a problem. It complements the work of teachers. Above all teachers can also receive guidance from the these tutors on challenging subject content” said MEC for Education, Mrs. Reginah Mhaule

All the learners has to do is dial a toll-free number,0800 203 116, even if it is on a cell phone, and will be connected to a standby tutor. The call costs are charged to the Mpumalanga department of education.

Johan Grobler, MD of CaTS, said the software is easy to use. “The student dials a number and is able to select which subject he or she needs assistance on, be it maths, science, or history – any subject. The software is already in place and if it goes well we will be rolling out Dial-a-Tutor at all other provinces.”