SA turns on digital classrooms

Desmond Boshego

LIMPOPO – LEARNERS in Gauteng walked into a new era of digital classrooms when schools opened in January, which will connect them to a world of better educational opportunities.

Learners will no longer carry books to school and will use tablets as a tool towards learning.

The paperless education system will give learners access to learning material, workbooks and other subject matter through the use of information communications technology(ICT).

Express asked residents what they thought of these digital classrooms.

Menza Lebepe said digital classrooms would change life for the better as every learner would have access to the internet.

“This is indeed great work done towards education. It shows that technology is developing in South Africa. Learners will be able to do their research, compile their work in a professional way and submit it on time. I regard it as a way of saving time and money.”

Mogau Matlou said the education system was advancing and would give disadvantaged learners an understanding of technology.

“Carrying books to school was challenging. As the world is now more technologically advanced, it needs to prepare learners so they are able to face any challenges they come across in the future.”

Mashadi Makgato agreed with Matlou that learners should be prepared and advance in this technological era.

“The new education system is useful to the learners because they will benefit. This will also be an advantage for rural schools as they were not able to access the internet at their schools.”

“Learners will be familiar with information technology at a young age. Everything is now technological,” said Mishack Kgomo.

Regaugetswe Maisela also promoted the idea of digital classrooms.

“With the great work done by the department of education, learning seems to be more interesting and enjoyable and this will motivate learners to stay in school.”

William Mmola on the other hand disagreed with the others and said that digital classrooms would make learners lazier to do their school work.

“I don’t promote digital classrooms because it will be easy for the learners to copy whatever they are asked to write, especially tests and examinations. Some will use the tablet computers for their personal use like downloading movies and songs.”