The Democratic Alliance (DA) believes that e-Learning is doomed to failure, just as Gauteng Online failed.
This after the Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) announced last week that 88 000 tablets would be handed over to various schools in the province.
“Both projects have one thing in common and that is the lack of a utilisation strategy,” DA Gauteng Education spokesperson, Khume Ramulifho says.
“There is confusion among the Departments of Finance and Education as to which Department is responsible for developing content to roll out technology effectively in Gauteng schools.
“Unfortunately, this project is doomed to failure despite the millions invested because teachers aren’t trained to use the tablets as a tool to teach, and security measures are not in place to secure the tablets.
“Connectivity is also a huge challenge.
“In addition, in the roll-out plan for the e-Learning Solution it is still not clear which schools will get tablets and what will happen with the Gauteng Online laboratories.”
88 000 tablets to be rolled-out in Gauteng schools
Gauteng Premier Nomvula Mokonyane and Gauteng Education MEC Barbara Creecy launched the e-Learning Solution Programme on Thursday 20 March.
The project involves the provision of 88 000 tablets and connectivity in schools across the Gauteng Province. Protea Glen Seconday School from Soweto was first in line to receive the tablets after they were visited by the GDE on Wednesday 19 March.
These tablets will be installed with a GDE Portal, which will have curriculum material based on CAPS and workbooks.
The roll-out of the e-Learning Solution has been prioritised for Grades 4 to 9 and for English and Mathematics subject offerings.
The project will have a significant impact on the delivery of quality and equitable education in Gauteng.
