The City of Johannesburg encourages learners to read both print and online books in the 4IR era. (Photo source: GDE Twitter page)
The City of Johannesburg (COJ) Information and Library Services is launching the second MobiReadathon Reading Competition for high school students with the theme 'Online Safety'.
The city's Information and Library Service said in a statement that MobiReadathon is a reading development and digital literacy program aimed at introducing high school students to the productive use of mobile devices for online reading and learning. ing.
Learners register using the website www.cojelearning.org.za, download PDF stories or read online, and test their understanding by answering quiz questions.
Winners will be chosen based on their quiz answers and time taken to complete the quiz.
According to the COJ, the MobiReadathon was successfully conducted in 2023, with over 50 high schools around Gauteng participating with over 400 students. This work was presented at the 2022 Taiwan Book Festival and also won the 2023 BCX Digital Innovation Award in the public sector category.
In expanding the competition to other states, Joburg Libraries will use the Joburg Libraries website as a central platform, free of charge, to expand the competition to eight states across the country, which is committed to introducing over 150 high schools to the competition. We work with 19 municipal library services.
The national competition includes articles and articles in English on the theme of internet safety as part of Joburg Library's Africa Online Safety campaign. Other stories are taken from African folklore and true stories of the elderly.
The COJ points out that the contest will not only promote improved reading comprehension, but will also give high school students tips on how to safely navigate digital platforms and the internet.
The contest will run from February to April 25, 2024 as part of the first phase of the digital reading campaign.
Semifinalists will be selected from all participating states, and the high school with the most participants will win the award to represent the state.
In the second phase, the top Grade 8 students will be selected and assigned a new story to read in preparation for the finals on June 13, 2024.
Each local authority will hold a final in June and part of the prize will be given to all participants as part of the terms of the grant to promote online safety through reading and expand to other areas. Sponsored by the Africa Online Fund for local governments. Pick n Pay School Club is also one of his school sponsors.
MMC director of community development for the City of Johannesburg, Lubabalo Magwenshu, urges students to take advantage of technology.
“We encourage learners to read both print and online books in the 4IR era and participate in this innovative MobiReadathon competition. By reading in a variety of formats, learners You can gain exposure to different perspectives, ideas and cultures, and expand your understanding of the world around you, especially in a digital economy where learning is also happening online.
“It’s also important for libraries to equip learners with the digital skills to use technology productively for reading and learning. It’s part of the city’s vision to develop smart citizens.”
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