Imagine a flock of passionate young teachers taking flight into schools across the country. Fresh from university, they bring with them digital skills, subject knowledge, curiosity and a willingness to learn. Working alongside teachers and school leaders, they help turn digital resources into meaningful learning experiences for young people.
This is the Flying Cows of Jozi Digital Skills Coaches model.
Our Digital Skills Coaches are recently graduated teachers with specialist knowledge of digital education, alongside expertise in subjects such as mathematics, science, English, and business studies. They understand both the possibilities of technology and the realities of the classroom. They support teachers not only in using digital tools effectively, but also in navigating the evolving role of the educator in the twenty-first century.
What makes the model distinctive is that it is designed as a learning journey for everyone involved.
Schools work with energetic, well-prepared coaches who bring fresh ideas and practical support.
The Coaches apply what they have learned at university in real educational settings. As they encounter the complexity, creativity and constraints of practice, their understanding deepens.
Many continue into honours, master’s and doctoral study, taking insights from the field back into their academic work. In this way, practice informs research and research enriches practice.
Over time, this creates a continuous loop between universities, schools and classroom practice. It is iterative, sometimes messy, and immensely rewarding
What the Digital Skills Coaches say:
“My experience (at Flying Cows of Jozi) really helped me in my studies. I could question certain principles and argue from the perspective of a teacher in a less-resourced school, not just as a student at a well-resourced university.”“Flying Cows of Jozi was the experience I needed to survive the world of work. I learnt time management, ICT skills, and how to work with diverse individuals.”
“Working with Flying Cows of Jozi taught me flexibility and adaptability in diverse contexts and to develop practical solutions to challenges.”
