1 e-LEARNING CONFERENCE HEALTH RESOURCE CENTRE MTHATHA NOVEMBER 2010 Cofimvaba District

2 “Utilizing e-technology to develop capacity and efficiency in Learning” Department of Education Cofimvaba District R A Kattukkanal S Sibawu Cofimvaba District

3 ICT Policy Goal Information and communication technologies (ICTs) are central to the changes taking place throughout the world. Digital media has revolutionised the information society and advances in ICTs have dramatically changed the learning and teaching process.

Cofimvaba District4 The introduction of ICTs to our schools is creating new ways for students and teachers to engage in information selection, gathering, sorting and analysis. In addition, ICTs have the potential to enhance the management and administrative capacity of schools. (Naledi Pandor White paper on e- education 2004)

Cofimvaba District5 "We must continue the fight for liberation against poverty, against under-development, against marginalisation" and "… information and communication technology … is a critically important tool in that struggle" (President Mbeki, Imbizo for African Youth, 2001).

Cofimvaba District6 In order to realise the benefits of ICTs, Africa must develop and produce a pool of ICT-proficient youth and students, from which the country can draw trainee ICT engineers, programmers and software developers.

7 COFIMVABA DISTRICT A Rural district with  245 GET schools & 32 FET schools  learners and 2661 educators  45 years as the average age of educators  Attitude of teachers, principals and SMT towards change (Technophobia)  Most of the Educators computer illiterate.  Lack of ICT equipment in schools  Inadequate infrastructures.  Vandalism and theft at schools  Lack of connectivity and Electricity Cofimvaba District

8 e-schools will be characterised as institutions that have: · learners who utilise ICTs to enhance learning; · qualified and competent leaders who use ICTs for planning, management and administration; · qualified and competent teachers who use ICTs to enhance teaching and · learning; · access to ICT resources that support curriculum delivery; and · connections to ICT infrastructure.

Cofimvaba District9 At provincial level, the Department of Education will establish a desired level of technology resources (hardware and software) for each GET and FET institution and assess the adequacy of existing equipment and facilities. At the very least, every GET and FET institution will have access to technology in order to:  manage administrative functions;  access electronic learning materials;  connect to information sources outside the classroom;  communicate with others in and beyond the institutional boundaries;  collaborate with others in and beyond the institutional boundaries; create and add to the knowledge base.

E-LEARNING IN THE DISTRICT 5 secondary and 10 primary schools with computer labs 100 schools have computers for administration Supporting 9 FET schools with educational software such as Master Maths, Mindset, e-School, Virtual Lab Supporting 25 GET schools which are e- schools with Encarta, Camy Maths Cofimvaba District10

Educators are trained in the use of these softwares to promote Maths and Science Trained 30 educators and 60 district officials in basic computer skills. Trained 50 principals in e-administration 200 principals are taken through the e- learning advocacy and the white paper in e-education 11Cofimvaba District

In 2011/12 To establish communication with all FET school principals in the district Train 100 principals in e-administration Train and capacitate educators in the use of ICT skills and ICT equipment in everyday classroom teaching Cofimvaba District12

In partnership with Rural Education Directorate we are moving in the right direction Looking forward to be in partnership with CLTD and other faculties of WSU relevant to rural development Cofimvaba District13

THANK YOU “Success in business requires training and discipline and hard work” David Rockefeller Cofimvaba District14