Reflecting on the First Teachers CAN Network Café of 2026
The first Teachers CAN Network Café of 2026 created an important space for teachers across the network to reflect on a critical question: What does innovation and technology in schools really mean?
What made the session particularly powerful was that it was led by teachers from within the Teachers CAN community itself Odetty Sebone, Cherith Wareley, Matlhomola Moapola and Tshegofatso Seitlhamo. The conversation positioned teachers not as passive recipients of change, but as active leaders and innovators shaping the future of education.
At the start of the session, participants shared the first ideas that come to mind when thinking about innovation in schools. Many responses focused on digital transformation, including coding and robotics, Artificial Intelligence (AI), smartboards, tablets, QR codes, and online learning platforms. These reflections highlighted the growing awareness among teachers that education is evolving rapidly in response to the demands of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR).
Participants also recognised the importance of preparing learners with future-oriented skills and competencies needed in a changing world. However, as the discussion deepened, the conversation began to shift beyond technology itself.
Teachers reflected on innovation not simply as the use of digital tools, but as a change in teaching practice. Participants spoke about making lessons more engaging, interactive, inclusive, and learner centred. Ideas such as gamified learning, differentiated instruction, formative assessment, and learning through play emerged as practical examples of innovation already taking place in classrooms every day.
A central message throughout the session was captured in the theme: “The Teacher Is the Innovation.” The discussion challenged the common assumption that innovation starts with technology. Instead, participants reflected on how innovation begins with teachers their creativity, adaptability, and commitment to improving learning experiences for their learners.
Teachers shared examples of everyday innovation already happening in schools:
- Using WhatsApp groups to support learners outside the classroom
- Creating engaging learning materials through Canva
- Using voice notes for personalised learner feedback
- Exploring AI tools such as Claude AI and Google Gemini for lesson preparation
- Facilitating peer learning and after-school support spaces
The session also introduced teachers to interactive digital platforms such as Kahoot! and Mentimeter, which can support learner participation and engagement in the classroom.
Importantly, the conversation reinforced that technology should support pedagogy not replace it. The effectiveness of any tool ultimately depends on how teachers use it to respond to learner needs and strengthen teaching and learning.
The Network Café reminded us that innovation in education is not limited to policies, programmes, or devices. It is already happening in classrooms across the country through teachers who continue to adapt, experiment, collaborate, and lead despite challenging circumstances.
As Teachers CAN continues to grow as a movement of connected and reflective educators, the first Network Café of 2026 reaffirmed a powerful truth: meaningful educational change begins with teachers.
By Steven Mollo