Gauteng has a vision to be a top performer on par with developed countries, and we believe that this will be achieved through the introduction of paperless classrooms, a combination of technologies to address gaps in teaching quality, learner engagement and school administration.”
These were the words of Gauteng MEC for Education Panyaza Lesufi when he addressed the Gauteng Legislature during his 2015/2016 Budget Vote speech early this year. He said introducing paperless classrooms is one way of addressing the challenges facing education in the province.
True to his words, township high schools around Mogale City became the latest beneficiaries of the paperless education system which makes use of Information Communication and Technology (ICT).
The education department entourage led by examination chief director Bheki Ngubane, visited Lodirile Secondary in Swanieville and unveiled smart boards to four Grade 12 classrooms. Ngubane, together with Mogale City’s David Letsie, Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) responsible for Infrastructure Services also handed over seven laptops and 226 tablets to educators and learners respectively.
Dubbed ‘wired for life’, the programme includes the use of interactive boards, laptops and tablets with complete internet connectivity, a pilot project which started earlier this year in schools around Gauteng.
Addressing Grade 12 learners, educators and dignitaries, Ngubane said: “The smart board launch is in line with Gauteng Department of Education, ICT and e-Education strategy.
“The programme will use technology to improve education outcomes, in particular, leaner achievement and attainment. We are now in the process of completely scrapping chalk boards replacing them with digital boards in all Gauteng schools.”
The programme has seen 17,000 tablets purchased for matric pupils and 18,000 digital or interactive boards fitted into classrooms at targeted schools. Ngubane indicated that the tablets have been fitted with tracking devices for security purposes.
Speaking on behalf of Mogale City Executive Mayor, Councillor Letsie said: “We are excited that Lodirile is one of the schools that benefitted from the ‘wire for life’ programme. This school has produced good results and we hope that the introduction of these gadgets will help learners and educators to do even better.”
“We live in a global world and the introduction of these smart boards and tablets is an indication that our learners will now be on par and compete with learners in developed countries. We also want our learners to look after these gadgets and protect them from criminals.”
Gauteng Department of Education has selected 375 high schools with Grade 12 classes in rural and township areas which will be equipped with the paperless education programme. Most of the schools have been refurbished, ceilings replaced and fitted with specialised lighting for this project.
Mlamuli Jiyane, the school principal was equally excited and said: “We are excited to have benefited from this big switch programme and this will make teaching and learning easier for educators and learners. The smart boards and tablets will relieve pressure off educators and make teaching enjoyable. We are happy that our school has been nominated as the first in our area and we hope that the learners are equally excited.”
Gauteng Department of Education examination director Prince Masilo, Oupa Koapeng the Gauteng West Grant Manager and David Mokobanama, Gauteng West Institutional Development Support Official graced the launch.