While SA's education system could be set for reforms by addressing the way pupils are assessed and examined, e-learning experts say ICT integration should form a significant part of initiatives moving forward.
Changes to the schooling system, proposed by an education ministerial committee looking into SA's National Senior Certificate, include raising the pass mark, making mathematics available for study at all schools, and introducing more stringent university entrance requirements. This is included in a report recently published by the Department of Basic Education.
Although the report focuses primarily on matriculants, analysts say government would do well to consider the role of technology in supplementing the teaching and learning process for all pupils.
Coordinated plan
Fiona Wallace, CEO of e-learning NPO Coza Cares, says government would need a co-ordinated national plan if its ICT education initiatives are to have a lasting impact. A national technology implementation plan would ensure some provinces are not left behind in terms of strategies and available infrastructure, she notes.
Wallace says a holistic approach from government could focus on ensuring e-readiness for schools, change management strategies, technical support and adequate teacher training.
"Bad teaching is bad teaching, no matter what tools are put into the hands of the teacher. Technology should be seen first and foremost as one medium to support better teaching. It is no miracle cure."
Moira de Roche, MD of Aligned4Learning, says the success of government's technology interventions for schools will hinge on whether learners find the content useful. "Content is king, but context is the kingdom. The educators need to provide the context for the services on offer so that learners can consume the content."
Meanwhile, ICT veteran Adrian Schofield notes education officials could also tap into existing projects such as WiFi hubs in Tshwane. He says a more holistic approach can tap into strengths of existing connectivity and education efforts as seen in Project Isizwe's Tobetsa portal.
Open to ideas
The Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) has called for organisations and members of the public interested in educational technology to register on its new education innovation database, aimed at widening the range of ideas to implement its strategies.
Although the invitation is not for tenders, says the GDE, it allows people to "raise awareness of ICT and other educational resources that the GDE might be interested in".
The GDE has earmarked R2 billion to integrate technology into classrooms and includes pushing for students to have gadgets such as a tablet or PC, as well as Internet connectivity.
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