Schools to benefit from ICT and E-Learning centres

More educators can now access Information and Communication Technology (ICT) assistance from eight E-Learning centres following a training programme recently introduced by the University of Johannesburg (UJ) in conjunction with the Department of Education. Thirteen employees focussing on ICT and E-Learning centres around the province received the first part of the Short Learning Programme known as Managing and Leading Education with Digital Technologies and were recognised and honoured for their achievements during a ceremony held in Polokwane last Tuesday.
The graduates expected to receive their certificates during the ceremony but Department of Basic Education representative, Enoch Rabotapi cleared the confusion and highlighted that certificates will only be presented to graduates on 26 July in Johannesburg.
Through this programme, provinces are expected to form partnerships with higher education institutions and adopt online model to deliver teacher development programmes on curriculum challenges, encourage centre managers and E-learning specialists to maximally utilise the resources in educator centres and use acquired skills to reach more educators.
Rabotapi also emphasised that the graduates only achieved 30 of 150 units to complete the course and further indicated that anyone keen to acquire the full marks will be supported by both the department and UJ.
“We have developed a Digital Frame Work Programme to equip educators and learners with ICT skills. We want educators and learners to apply ICT skills in both learning and teaching. It is unfortunate there is no institution that teaches passion and commitment but our educators are urged to be passionate and committed in order for learners to fully understand the subjects to be able to pass with flying colours,” Rabotapi said
UJ representative Jacqueline Batchelor challenged the province to empower women in ICT. She further urged the 13 graduates to continue with their studies understand the programme better. She added that the programme will push the province to achieve better results.

Story and photos: ENDY SENYATSI
>>endy@observer.co.za