Wits School of Education

Start main page content

Science and Technology

The Science and Technology Division, formed by the merger of the Educational Information and Engineering Technology and Science Education divisions in 2023, fosters interdisciplinary research in STEM education.

This dynamic environment supports both undergraduate and postgraduate students, as well as academic staff, in pursuing their passions in Science and Technology, aiming to prepare the next generation of STEM educators, researchers, and professionals.

Interdisciplinary Research on STEM Education

The division's multiple focus areas include Information Technology, Science Education, Educational Technology, and Technical and Vocational Education. The integration of these areas has created a stimulating research environment, enabling interdisciplinary research in STEM education.

Professional Development

The division is committed to the professional development and career advancement of academic and support staff. It provides opportunities for participation in local and international conferences, aligning with the Wits School of Education and the University's internationalisation agenda. Academic staff are supported in conducting scientifically grounded research and educational practices, ensuring inclusivity and opportunities for all staff members.

The division collaborates with international experts to advance STEM, digital literacy, and Artificial Intelligence literacy. 雷速体育_雷速体育直播s are integrated into various research initiatives, enhancing their pedagogical content knowledge and preparation. This interdisciplinary approach offers access to digital pedagogy-rich and technology-oriented inclusive practices.

Academic and Short Course Offerings

The Division emphasises sustainability beyond the traditional qualifications BEd in Science Education, Information Technology and Coding and Robotics programme, by offering:

Advanced Diploma in Technical and Vocational Teaching

This programme focuses on technical and vocational education, ensuring educators are qualified to deliver high-quality teaching in specialised areas, thereby improving the overall quality of education in the TVET sector.

Postgraduate Diploma in Education in the Field of Digital Education and Online Teaching

This programme provides educators with specialized training in digital education and online teaching, enhancing the quality of teaching and learning experiences in both traditional and online settings.

Short Courses

Designed to develop critical skills and knowledge, these non-degree programmes offered by the Wits School of Education include:

  • Strategic Implementation of ICT Integration in Education
  • Information Technology and Programming Fundamentals
  • Instructional Design and Technology
  • Digital Technologies for Civic Engagement and Digital Citizenship
  • Learning with Smart Toys
  • Technical Mathematics: Problem Solving for TVET Lecturers
  • Mathematical Literacy: Level 2, Level 3, and Level 4 for TVET
  • Data Analysis, Visualization, and Predictive Analytics in Education
  • Data Mining, Visualization, and Learning Analytics in Education
  • Computational Thinking, Coding, and Robotics in Education

Growth and Sustainability Strategy

The division focuses on five critical areas: diversity and inclusion, staff resource development, research, quality and innovative teaching, and community engagement.

This strategy is supported by collaborations with various stakeholders, including DHET, ETDP SETA, NECT, SACE, and Provincial Governments. Succession planning emphasises interdisciplinary STEM competencies, encouraging academic staff to work collaboratively across divisions.

This approach has effectively removed silos, enhancing partnerships within and around the campus community.

MARANG Hub

Research at the Science and Technology Division is performed under the guidance of the Marang Centre for Research in Science and Mathematics Education, a research centre housed by both the Division and the Division of Mathematics Education. The MARANG hub supports STEM-oriented collaborative research and provides support to early-career academics. 

Areas of research include: 

  • Indigenous knowledge (IK)
  • Nature of science and scientific inquiry
  • Science teacher pedagogical content knowledge
  • Language in science education
  • Informal learning in science
  • Teacher development
Share