Acer meets Buffalo City TVET College’s complex requirements

Technology plays a crucial role in higher education, fulfilling a diverse range of tasks. It supports teaching that promotes high-quality learning outcomes while also facilitating efficient administration and recordkeeping. However, a single solution cannot meet all these varied requirements. 

Acer successfully addressed the challenge through a deep understanding of the needs at hand, creative problem-solving, and a device solution that combines current realities with future planning. This approach ultimately benefits both the staff and students of Buffalo City TVET College.

Introducing Buffalo City Technical, Vocational Education and Training (TVET) College 

Buffalo City TVET College (BCC) is one of 50 public Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges in South Africa, operating under the Department of Higher Education and Training auspices. As one of the largest TVET service providers in the country, BCC specializes in priority skills development, preparing students for the workforce, or further education and training at universities.

Based in East London, in South Africa’s Eastern Cape province, Buffalo City TVET College (BCC) is a multi-site institution with four campuses and an administration center. Established in 2002, the college came to be through the merger of three colleges in the greater East London area. The East London College—along with its St. Marks Campus—joined the Border Technical College and John Knox Bokwe Careers College in Mdantsane.

Shortly after the merger, the college council decided to close the Border Technical College premises. As a result, it integrated the business studies programs into the East London Campus and transferred the engineering division to the St. Marks Campus. Meanwhile, the John Knox Bokwe Campus continued to offer both business and engineering studies programs.

Furthermore, BCC took the initiative to expand its offerings at the King Street Campus, developing a comprehensive range of apprenticeships, leadership programs, and skills training.

Acer & Buffalo City TVET College: a partnership of trust and technology

Given the complexity of South Africa’s educational landscape, Acer’s approach to educational technology involves engaging directly with the users of its devices. The company achieves this through its dedicated education specialist, Mahlatse Mogashoa, and its account manager for TVET colleges, Betty Sethosa. Together, they ensure that educators and students receive the support they need.

Moreover, Mogashoa explains that TVET colleges typically upgrade their IT environments every three to five years. The investment is substantial given the number of devices involved—ranging from 500 to 1,000. Therefore, if colleges make ill-informed decisions, they cannot easily rectify them, which could potentially negatively impact an entire cohort of students.

Additionally, the requirements are multi-faceted, encompassing laptops, desktops, monitors for lab environments, and all-in-one devices. The users of these devices include management and administrative staff, lecturers, and students.

When I work with colleges, the first task is to understand their challenges, what they plan to do with the technology, and how it will assist them. It’s not about dropping a box; rather, the conversation delves into the details of their challenges and how Acer will help to resolve them. My role is to identify the best possible solution and then put the specs together for the devices required. – Mahlatse Mogashoa, Acer Education Specialist

In this endeavor, Acer is further supported by Microsoft and ChromeOS, providing assistance in terms of licensing, guidance on infrastructure management, and training.

We empower colleges with our devices and collaborate with resellers to ensure they receive the best possible solutions to strengthen teaching and learning. – Betty Sethosa, Acer Account Manager for TVET colleges 

The Acer solution for BCC 

The equipment

Buffalo City TVET College (BCC) struggled with outdated hardware and software for years. Therefore, between 2021 and 2023, it purchased more than 700 Acer desktop and laptop computers. The solution includes:

• TravelMate P214 laptops: lightweight and versatile, making them perfect for administrative staff who require mobility and efficiency. These devices streamline communication and digital recordkeeping, featuring a user-friendly interface, comprehensive connectivity options, long battery life, and fast charging.
• TravelMate P414 Spin convertible laptops: designed for flexibility and functionality.
• Veriton desktops and monitors: offering large, high-resolution displays that provide clear, immersive visuals to enhance learning. Additionally, their streamlined design saves space and keeps desks organized, making these devices an ideal solution for BCC.

I like how easy it is to adjust the blue light on the Acer screens; it improves my user experience. My eyes are very sensitive to light, but with these screens, I can go for hours doing research and coding. – Lwanda Kedi, student

The benefits

For IT Manager Suniel Joseph, one of the biggest advantages of the investment is the technical support that he had to manage without for so long. He emphasizes that the warranty and on-site services represent a significant benefit for the college, stating that when a request is logged, technicians arrive on-site by the next business day.

Joselee Joseph, an instructor in IT coding, resonates with his fondness for contemporary technology. She recalls how outdated and underperforming technology hindered efficient administration, as well as effective communication and collaboration among staff.

Additionally, the old technology’s inability to engage students meant that diverse learning styles could not be accommodated, ultimately diminishing student motivation and their ability to participate fully in class activities and assignments.

Since then, the situation has changed dramatically with the introduction of Acer devices fitted with 13th-generation processors. Now, BCC students and educators enjoy seamless access to digital resources and educational platforms, benefiting from high performance and efficiency.

The Acer devices have improved all the digital resources we use, including textbooks, because the images are so much better. Life as a student is much easier and more efficient. – Xolise Mahlwana, IT and computer science student

Electronics and computer programming lecturer Morné Rose highlights the significant impact of the TravelMate P4-series devices on administrative efficiency. He points out that the high-quality video conferencing capabilities of the TravelMate P4-series have transformed communication and collaboration within the college. Conducting virtual meetings with off-site staff members and partners has become effortless.

Moreover, these features, combined with the devices’ reliability and connectivity, have truly streamlined daily operations at the college.