In January 2015, at the start of the new school year, the department of education launched a pilot project at a high school in Tembisa, Ekurhuleni.
“The Big Switch On” was launched at Boitumelong Secondary School in Sedibeng Section, Tembisa.
More schools using technology in the classroom include:
- Phomolong Secondary in Tembisa
- Thandi Eleanor Sibeko Secondary in Duduza
- Tlamatlama Primary School in Tembisa
- Sunward Park High School in Boksburg
- Ponelopele Oracle Secondary in Ivory Park
- Tshepisa Primary School in Tembisa
The pilot project provided learners at the schools with tablets while teachers were equipped with interactive whiteboards.
“I see no reason why a chalkboard and a duster cannot be declared history because every learner will have a tablet and an interactive board, every teacher will have something to work on as a device,” said education MEC Panyaza Lesufi.
School books will be replaced by e-books and the entire migration is expected to cost an estimated R17 billion over the next five years.
Internet costs at the seven schools had been fully paid for by other government developments and the private sector.
The MEC also said that security at the schools will be tighter, while over 1700 parents had signed a pledge to make sure that their children look after their tablets.
Using technology in the classroom has its benefits.
Tiny Molepo, a teacher at Mothibedi Combined School in Limpopo won the Super Teacher of the Year Award in 2015 for her work using technology tools such as Skype to enhance the communication skills of her learners.
For learners, some schools using technology in the classroom can mean that they will benefit from an enhanced education process.
Schools using technology in the classroom allows for flexible learning and it may lead to added abilities for self-regulated learning. Teachers may be also be able to plan their lessons more efficiently.