The University of the Western Cape’s dentistry faculty has launched a new state-of-the-art video conferencing system that lets students watch live surgeries in class or at home.
The faculty wants to set up video conferencing lecture rooms at the Mitchell’s Plain clinic and Tygerberg Hospital.
“Innovation is key,” said UWC deputy vice-chancellor, Professor Vivienne Lawack.
“One of the focus areas UWC has eyed since 2015 is being fit for the digital age – we found that a lot of money was spent on transportation and through this technology this will save a lot of money.”
The technology can bring students into the virtual classroom no matter where they are. Recorded lectures and live surgeries can be shared widely to students online.
UWC vice-chancellor and rector, Professor Tyrone Pretorius, said universities should “lead the way in disruptive innovation.
