Paperless classroom now a reality
METRO – "You are very lucky to be in this school, to be in this class," said deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa during the launch of paperless classrooms at Boitumelong Secondary School.
Gauteng township pupils are ready for the big switch on.
The Smart Schools Project was launched at seven Gauteng township schools on 14 January.
The idea of the paperless classroom was welcomed by a round of applause and cheers from pupils and visitors gathered at Boitumelong Secondary School.
Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa, Gauteng Education MEC Panyaza Lesufi, Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga, Gauteng Premier David Makhura and Telecommunications Minister Siyabonga Cwele were among those to deliver the ground-breaking project.
Ramaphosa initiated the project by pressing a button on one of the two big computer screens that took the place of a chalkboard at the front of the classroom.
The whole process was then demonstrated by a teacher on how the system works.
Ramaphosa urged students to grab the opportunity, acquire knowledge and be the best they can be.
“You are very lucky to be in this school, to be in this class,” Ramaphosa said.
Among those who were pleased with the new project, include DA Gauteng Shadow MEC for Education Khume Ramulifho.
Ramulifho stated that, “The introduction of paperless classrooms is an important step to bridging the digital divide, and the DA is encouraged to find that our province’s schools of the future project are off to a great start.”
He also added that the involvement of private sectors should not be ignored.
Ramolifho advises parents to take ownership and embrace the ground-breaking opportunity.
“We encourage pupils and teachers to take pride in their schools, and to protect and safeguard all their school facilities and resources,” he said, adding that they will continue to support the innovation aimed at enhancing quality learning.
