Libraries in Region B hosted a successful Mobireadathon on Friday, 14 October 2022, at Randburg Library. Grade 8 pupils from De La Salle High School, Oceans Private School, Greenside High School and Northcliff High School battled it out during a tough final round.
A total of five pupils from each school participated in the first-ever Mobireadathon in the region.
Northcliff High pupils came out tops and walked away with a trophy and bragging rights. Certificates and medals were awarded to all the participants. The Mobireadathon is a digital literacy programme that seeks to promote digital literacy, information literacy, comprehension and the use of e-readers for learning.
Mbali Khumalo, a librarian at Blackheath Library, says libraries are becoming more innovative. “Libraries are moving digitally. Pupils are being taught that they can access library services from the comfort of their homes via mobile devices. We decided to target learners since they are already glued to their phones and electronic devices.”
An introduction to mobile literacy was given to the pupils, along with information about how to get reading material from digital platforms. The first round of the Mobireadathon started in June. Five books were uploaded to e-readers and sent to the competing schools. The pupils were required to review three books and upload them to Google Forms.
They completed the task using mobile devices, including tablets and cellphones. On the day of the finals, pupils had to scan a quick response (QR) code where they were directed to either Nal’ibali (a national reading-for-enjoyment campaign) or the City of Joburg website to complete a crossword puzzle and do quizzes on the day.
Khumalo adds that it was fun and hopes to see the Mobireadathon expand in the City. “We piloted the Mobireadathon in Region B, but I hope it will spread across all regions.”
Matete Lesele, senior librarian at Randburg Library, says the idea was also to make pupils aware that they can use their devices productively. “Like reading books and not just thinking information from a book can only come from a physical book.
“We decided on targeting grade 8s because we wanted to show them earlier that their devices can be used for more than just taking photos and uploading them to social media.”
The libraries that contributed to making the event a success included Linden, Randburg, Parkview and Blackheath.
Written by Brümilda Swartbooi
17/10/2022