The Democratic Alliance (DA) has pointed out that the paperless classes are not ready.
In a statement released on Tuesday the DA claims to have visited several schools to assess the readiness of the system.
“Despite the MEC’s claims that the system is on track for the new term, the DA discovered numerous schools in Soweto where no interactive boards have been installed,” reads a statement from the opposition party.
Schools mentioned by the DA include Phefeni Secondary School, Orlando West High School, Lamula Jubilee Secondary School, Meadowlands High School, Selelekela Secondary School, Fons Luminis Secondary School, Orlando East High and Emadwaleni Secondary School which had only one classroom connected.
The DA further claims that, “This delay has an impact on teaching and learning as old chalkboards have been removed from Grade 12 classes.”
Meanwhile Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs MEC Jacob Mamabolo has applauded the paperless classroom as a means to take this country a step forward.
Mamabolo was speaking at the launch of the programme at Emadwaleni Secondary School in Orlando West on Tuesday morning.
He said the technology provides the school with a great opportunity to contribute to the skills landscape of the country.
“Our country is in a good position to generate the type of skills and knowledge to take us a step forward because of this new technology,” said Mamabolo.
He went on to appeal with the teachers to utilise the technology at their disposal and make sure that it produces the intended results.
The school principal Vuyo Mkwanazi was very excited about the launch of the programme saying that, “I believe from now on there will be a great improvement on the pass rate.
“Previously the teacher would spend about two hours trying to draw a heart and by the time he’s finished, the period is over. I believe this will make learning much easier from now on.”
A Grade 12 pupil at the school Tshepo Mkhari expressed his approval of the programme.
He said, “I like the fact that it uses visuals which will make learning much easier for us.”
