A South African-based ed-tech start-up, The Student Hub, plans to launch an education technology platform, called ERAOnline, which enables students to access tailored study support resources, interact with each other and receive support from trained subject experts.

The company says it hopes to reduce the cost of education, make education accessible to the masses and increase student success rates by providing smart education technology to educational institutions, students and government.

The Cape Town-based company, launched in April 2015, says the platform is already in pilot phase and the expectation is that it will be introduced in January next year to reach more than 100 000 students and 2000 lecturers.

The Student Hub hosted a two-day workshop last week attended by nine Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges, four Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs) and representatives from the South African Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET).

"This workshop and the approaching launch of ERAOnline helps to establish our image as game changing participants in SA education," said Hertzy Kabeya, founder and CEO of The Student Hub.

Attendees discussed potential connectivity initiatives and ways in which the platform could help address issues like outdated curriculum, high failure rates, and a skills crisis.

"The methodology and idea will benefit the TVETs," said Philani Kunene of the Education and Training Practices Sector Education and Authority (ETDP SETA). "It will be an excellent support to teaching and learning," added Louis Oosthuizen from West Coast College.