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Education expert urges schools to use smartphones for learning

Published

Empty classroom with rows of wooden desks facing a blank whiteboard in morning light.

James Lees, CEO of Advantage Learn, says smartphones can help learners reach educational content if used correctly. He says most South African learners use their phones more for entertainment than for education.

Lees said smartphones can help learners with their studies. He said they can ease problems such as a lack of resources and a lack of access to teachers, if control and use are deliberate.

He said parents and schools should guide learners on responsible cellphone use. Lees said: "We see the use of phones as quite a big opportunity if the control and usage are done very deliberately."

Key facts

Who
James Lees (CEO of Advantage Learn); Advantage Learn (organisation whose CEO is quoted)
What
Advantage Learn CEO James Lees says smartphones can help learners access educational content when used correctly, and that parents and schools should guide responsible cellphone use. He says most South African learners use their phones more for entertainment than education.
When
1 November 2026
Status
Reported

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