SOCO_ED unveils 'Topic' — A cutting-edge online learning platform for high school students

Spearheaded by entrepreneur Francois van Louw, 'Topic' is poised to revolutionise the approach to exam preparation and learning methodologies, says SOCO_ED. 

In a dedicated pursuit of enhancing the nation's educational benchmarks, SOCO_ED unveiled 'Topic' in August 2023. The platform stands out for its trailblazing attributes, featuring meticulously curated, high-calibre learning resources crafted by esteemed subject matter specialists from South Africa.

According to SOCO_ED, since its establishment in 2018, it has garnered acclaim for crafting diverse educational platforms catering to prestigious institutions and corporations. With 'Topic', their latest endeavour, they have set their focus on empowering FET-phase high school learners across South Africa.

Van Louw expanded on the genesis of 'Topic', and says, "We aimed to fathom how today's youth prefer to engage with digital content, and we artfully integrated these insights into 'Topic's' pedagogical framework. Considering students often perceive learning as monotonous, gravitating towards social media, we aspired to forge an immersive learning encounter comparable to popular social platforms."

Boasting a comprehensive spectrum of study materials spanning 11 subjects, meticulously tailored for grades 10, 11, and 12 in alignment with the Senior Phase of the Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statement (CAPS) curriculum, 'Topic' is home to an impressive collection of over 1,000 video lessons. These lessons are complemented by interactive quizzes and workbooks, all accessible without any subscription fees, says SOCO_ED. 

Elaborating on Topic's approach to educating learners, van Louw says, "Our content aligns with the weekly topics covered in traditional classrooms, adhering to the Department of Basic Education's annual teaching plans. Each video lesson is strategically designed to fit within a concise 15-minute timeframe, fostering focused learning for assessments."

Highlighting their commitment to democratising education, 'Topic' remains a completely free resource for all. Inspired by the Western Cape Education Department's (WCED) Back-On-Track initiative, SOCO_ED has chosen to provide unrestricted access to the platform for every learner across South Africa.

Envisioning a global horizon for 'Topic', the platform's evolution into a dynamic marketplace where educational creators can monetise their content and time. This forward-looking approach aims to empower educators, enabling them to participate as creators within 'Topic', offering live tutoring sessions or content subscription models. Through this innovative model, educators can build a thriving customer base while generating a reliable passive income, says SOCO_ED. 

According to SOCO_ED, after participating in the BETT London conference, the largest edtech event globally, by invitation from Amazon Web Services (AWS), van Louw and his executive team recognised the scarcity of edtech solutions grounded in an Africa-first perspective. This realisation has further ignited their commitment to the development of 'Topic' and its transformative impact on education in the region. 

With its revolutionary vision, 'Topic' is poised to capture significant attention and popularity within the global edtech arena, SOCO_ED concludes. 

Prospective high school learners in South Africa can register for 'Topic' by visiting www.topic.co.za, embarking on an exhilarating journey of learning that breaks new ground.