Department of Science and Technology Education

I am excited to be joining the winning team

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Who is Mahlako?

Ms. Mahlako Chuene, Junior Lecturer in the Department of Science and Technology Education, specialising in Computer Integrated Education

I am a female in my early years of life and very passionate about teaching and working with people. I grew up in Kempton Park where lived with both my parents and went to school until high school. Growing up, for my high school education I moved to Limpopo and lived with my aunt after my mother passed away.

I always knew that I wanted to be a teacher from grade 5, but because of the pressure from society, I doubted whether teaching would be a suitable career for me. I remember applying for a medical degree, however because I know I wanted to be a teacher, I applied for both. Somehow there was a delay in my application for the medical degree and I was accepted for an education degree. I felt this was the universe’s way of agreeing with what I believed to be my first career choice although according to other people in the society it seemed like my second choice. My undergraduate studies exposed me to life outside the lecture rooms where I took part in numerous learnership programs, opportunities to network with other people and the general advancement of life skills.

Varsity was extremely challenging because I was introduced to computer integrated education course (CIE) in my 2nd year but later out found that the course was interesting. I started working from as early as my 2nd year to get into honours, as I knew this field can be very competitive. For my undergraduate studies, I pursued a BEd in Senior and FET qualification, majoring in mathematics, mathematical literacy, and natural science. Currently, I am pursuing a master’s degree in CIE which I have come to enjoy from doing research.

 

What are you anticipating UNISA to be like?

I have many assumptions about Unisa where I believe it to be extremely digitalized and very fast paced environment compared what I know. I am quite nervous about this new chapter in my life however excited at the same time. I will be doing what I love more practically, which is digitalising education. Furthermore, considering that I was working at a school which offered online learning, I do not believe I will struggle to adjust as I am already used to the hybrid way of learning, which includes meeting students online and marking student’s scripts online.

 

Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years?

My ambition is to become a researcher and grow in my area of specialization. I am planning to complete my master’s degree in the next 2 years and then pursue a PhD degree in CIE specialization. 

Until then, Mahlako is part of the bigger plans at UNISA.

#Moleboheng Ramulumo

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Publish date: 2022/04/01

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