1. COMPUTER SOFTWARE DEMONSTRATION MACHINES
1.1 Each EMDC, as well as Edulis, has a computer dedicated to the demonstration of educational software suitable for curriculum support in schools. Because it is usually not possible for schools to interact with software before buying it, it is suggested that teachers contact their EMDC or Edulis to book time on the computer to see some of the software currently available.
1.2 The software is supplied by members of ADESSA, the Associated Distributors of Educational Supplies in Southern Africa. As new software is constantly being developed, the software on the machines will be updated regularly. In this way, it is intended that an an extensive resource will be built up to assist schools in the selection of software and to familiarise teachers, curriculum advisers and others with the educational software and enable them to see how it can be used to add value to the teaching and learning experience.
1.3 Below is a list of contact names and numbers:
EDULIS Library: Circulation                           (021)957 9618  
EMDCs:
Breede River/Overberg Resource Centre  Ingrid Murray  (023)348 4657
Metropole Central                      Pieter Visagie (021)659 4330
Metropole East                         Deon Pokpas    (021)900 7129
Metropole North                        Jenny Caroto   (021)938 3018
Metropole South Resource Centre        Ntombi Mngxuma (021)370 2097
South Cape/Karoo Resource Centre       Sam Webber     (044)803 8328
West Coast/Winelands Resource Centre   Ina Heiberg    (021)860 1228
2. UPDATED PHYSICAL SCIENCE PACKAGE FROM EDUMEDIA

The Physical Science Revision and Consolidation Exercises / Natuur- en Skeikunde Hersienings- en Samevattingsoefeninge packageSamevattingsoefeninge package will be available from Edumedia in early March for distribution on CD-ROM disc at a nominal cost of R20,00 (excluding postage and packaging). This set of 1800 multiple-choice questions for the current Grade 11 and 12 Physical Science curriculum (Higher and Standard Grade) has been updated for the Windows operating system. The package is aimed at assisting learners to consolidate their knowledge, particularly in preparation for this year's Senior Certificate Eexaminations. Enquiries should be addressed to edumedia@pgwc.gov.za .

3. THUTONG: ( http://www.thutong.org.za/ )

Thutong is the recently launched education portal of the national Department of Education. Its goal is to empower teachers and learners by providing high quality educational materials for teaching and learning in an outcomes-based (OBE) education system. All the resources on the portal are in line with the FET National Curriculum Statement (NCS) and GET Revised National Curriculum Statement (RNCS), and support educators in all their roles. On visiting the web site for the first time, users are asked to register (free of charge) and enter their particular interests in education. This enables Thutong to focus users on new developments in their areas of interest whenever they visit the web site. New resources are being made available on a daily basis. Schools should make a regular practice of visiting Thutong, as well as the WCED site http://wced.wcape.gov.za/, for all school-related matters, including curriculum support.



SIGNED: J.P. RAULT-SMITH
HEAD: EDUCATION
DATE: 2005:03:04