Question No. 310
Mr SH Plaatjie (Congress of the People, North West) to ask the Minister of Basic Education:
(1) Whether each educator has received a computer laptop as promised interms of the e-Education initiative; if not, how far is the implementation in this regard; if so, how many of the 360 000 educators in the system have received computer laptops;
(2) Whether all educators are being trained on how to integrate the information and communications technology (ICT) into their curriculum; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
1. As part of the teacher laptop initiative, educators who purchase an ICT package in line with the specified requirements will have access to a monthly allowance of R130. The allowance will contribute towards payment for the ICT facility.
At this stage none of the provincial Education departments (PEDs) have implemented the allowance. However, the reports received from the PEDs as at the middle of August
2010 were six of the nine provinces (Free State, KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, North West and Western Cape) indicated that they would commence implementation within the 2010/11 financial year.
Potentially, based on the plans and existing funding, about 143 000 educators will be eligible to apply for and receive the allowance. It should, however, be noted that the final figure will depend on the actual number of educators who show interest and apply for the allowance.
2. Self-training software and material is included in the minimum specifications of the package the teacher is required to purchase. This includes basic skills training in using the computer technology in everyday life and ICT skills for teachers which involves specific aspects of using ICT for teaching and learning.
These training materials could also be used by schools, districts and PEDs for organised training for groups. PEDs and teacher unions will organize training sessions as the uptake of the laptops allowances rises.
Source: Department of Education
