"Sorry, man, when we`re in the middle of writing matric exams, it`s like I`m writing matric exams," says Nash Jacobs, apologising for being so scarce lately. "You`ve got to hold thumbs for us. In 1998, the matric pass rate was 52%. By 2001, it was up to 74%. This year, we`re hoping for 80%."
Of all this year`s nominees for IT Personality of the Year, Jacobs seems the most unlikely candidate. On the other hand, education and technology are no longer like chalk and cheese. In fact, it`s chalkless teaching that he`s aiming for.
As MEC for education, Jacobs is championing GautengOnline, the province`s drive to put at least 25 PCs in every school within the next three years. "As a developmental economy person, one sees the transition from an industrial-based to an ICT-based society," says Jacobs, who has a social sciences degree and has held the provincial education portfolio since July 1999.
"Education gives birth to all other professions, so the question is how does the education system respond to this challenge? If we equip our learners sufficiently with resources and quality teaching, this generation will be the Mark Shuttleworths, the Chris Barnards, the Miriam Makebas of the future. We`re preparing our learners for real time, real learning, real smart," he says, quoting the GautengOnline slogan.
The project is still in its early stages, but is already producing measurable results, says Jacobs. "It has had its ups and downs, but the small part we have done up to now is clearly creating a revolution in education. There is an amazing enthusiasm at pilot schools: attendance levels are rising, drop-out rates are decreasing dramatically, and school administration and lesson preparation are improving."
Take the planning of school timetables. "With chalk on a board, this used to be one of the most complex admin jobs at schools. It`s so easy now, because the software designs everything for you. As educators, we are also appreciating this information-age society."
Jacobs, who says connected computer laboratories will have been rolled out to more than 1 000 schools by next November, has high praise for the technology industry`s enthusiasm for the project. "The support from industry has been overwhelming. They have funded the entire cost of the pilot, and are coming forward with strategic support and advice. Industry is playing a crucial role and has clearly seen that this is an investment that is also to their benefit."
Share