MANY people in Mzansi can remember the days before the internet and cellphones, when they had to research information the hard and frustrating way at libraries.
While the internet has done away with much of this boring task, its price is a whole new range of problems.
Ring a Bell Life Coaching and Mentoring teaches people how to work online and use social media as tools.
Ring a Bell’s CEO is Dr Pemella Zulu from Pretoria. She is also a pastor at the Throne of Grace church. Dr Zulu said: “The internet is one big communication tool. It helps people access information they need without delay.
“Only a handful of people would write in a journal or diary every day, but when you arrive home tired from a day of shopping, you think nothing of sitting in a comfortable space, opening Facebook and posting a status update. This is how the internet has changed our thinking and behaviour.”
But Zulu also told SunEducation that many people still have not adapted to the internet. It’s a technology that speeds up people’s reactions, feelings and thoughts.
“I teach young and old people about starting businesses and running websites.
“I register them at various education platforms called massive open online courses, or Moocs. Moocs offer thousands of courses for free although some such as universities offer institute-accredited certificates for a small fee.
“My students get a certification when they complete my course.
“I also teach job seekers how to search for jobs that are relevant to their talents, and help those who are looking for their best career choices,” Zulu said.
“I also discourage my students from using social media such as Facebook for gossiping.
“Social media is far more useful and powerful as a tool.
“Parents also need to monitor what their kids do on the internet as carefully as they do at play.”
Zulu works with the Gauteng department of economic development, which encourages youngsters to start their own businesses as entrepreneurs.
