It will cost the Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) R700 million to switch grade 10 classrooms from using traditional learning tools to smart devices.
This was word from education MEC Panyaza Lesufi, speaking during a media briefing following his presentation of the GDE's budget for the 2018/2019 financial year.
Lesufi tabled the department's R45.2 billion budget vote this morning, which increased by R4.3 billion compared to the previous financial year's R40.8 billion. The increase, according to him, is an indication the provincial government is committed to furthering education initiatives in Gauteng.
The MEC explained the GDE was ambitious when it kicked off the paperless project thinking that National Treasury would provide the billions it needed, but the department had to reprioritise its budget to be able to rollout paperless classrooms for grade tens.
Introduced in 2015, the GDE's paperless classroom initiative provides devices to learners and teachers, access to online educational content and classrooms are equipped with smart boards and Internet connectivity. The education department of Gauteng says the initiative is aimed at encouraging ICT adoption, skills development and improving the quality of education in townships.
The project has been beset with theft issues since it was introduced, despite concerted security efforts by the GDE.
Lesufi said although the project has gained the attraction of criminals, his department will not be deterred and will continue roll out smart devices in Gauteng township schools.
He continued to say for the 2018/2019 financial year, the education department's paperless classroom project will also cover grade 10. Until now, the paperless initiative was only targeted at grades 11 and 12.
"We are excited with our initiative to introduce paperless classrooms and ICT in our schools. Learners in our classrooms are now accessing education content using digital platforms. Our educators have also been given all the relevant content and devices to be fully equipped to deliver a digital education curriculum."
He added: "Educators from grades ten to 12 will receive smart devices such as laptops. All classrooms will be fully-equipped with digital devices that will allow them to access quality education content."