| 1. |
The White Paper on e-Education (September 2004) states in its introduction: “A global revolution is currently taking place in education and training. It is driven by the changing nature of work, the realities of the information age, new global partnerships and an awareness of the need for equal distribution of educational opportunities.”
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| 2. |
In consequence, learners in the Western Cape are being given access to computers and other digital resources as an integral part of their preparation for the National Senior Certificate. A number of subjects specify the use of digital resources in order for learners to achieve the learning outcomes. Learners doing Computer Applications Technology and Information Technology will use computers from the beginning of 2006 as they enter Grade 10. The following subjects are being prioritised nationally for learner computer use from 2007: Accounting, Civil Technology, Design, Electrical Technology, Engineering Graphics and Design, Geography, Life Orientation, Mechanical Technology, Tourism and Visual Arts. Other subjects will also benefit from the use of digital resources.
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| 3. |
Digital resources include teaching and learning material from the World Wide Web, CD ROMs and television broadcast media. Educational software and applications are sometimes associated with computer peripherals, such as interactive whiteboards, probes, sensors, keyboards and other computer-controlled equipment.
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| 3.1 |
In order for teachers in FET and GET to familiarise themselves with the educational software available locally, EDULIS and each EMDC resource centre has a stand-alone computer on which the Associated Distributors of Educational Supplies in Southern Africa (http://www. adessa.org.za) periodically loads new software. The catalogue for this software can be found on the EDULIS website at http://edupals.wcape.gov.za.
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| 3.2 |
The WCED has ensured that departmental schools offering FET will have access to Mindset multimedia, video and print materials to support English, Mathematical Literacy, Physical Sciences and financial literacy. Khanya project managers will liaise with schools regarding this and train teachers in the use of the facility.
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| 3.3 |
The WCED has also organised that all schools, both public and independent, in the Western Cape offering GET and FET will have access to Rubricate software, to enable teachers to construct rubrics for assessment in Grades R-12. Schools that have computers will be notified when training will take place during the course of 2006 to 2008.
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| 4. |
Guidelines for ICT Integration with NCS Subjects in Grades 10-12 will be sent to schools during February to assist the schools to incorporate ICTs in teaching and learning. The topics include general use of ICTs across all FET subjects; the use of ICTs in each specific subject; educational software and how to evaluate it; the use of the Internet in each subject; and digital resources being provided by the WCED. It will also be possible to download this document from the Digital Resources website at http://curriculum.wcape.school.za/site/113 when the site is made public towards the end of February 2006.
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| 5. |
In order to prepare teachers for the integration of ICTs in FET subjects, training in each subject will be ongoing during 2006, 2007 and 2008. Schools will be notified in good time about each of the courses.
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| 6. |
Should you have any queries, the curriculum officials responsible for the integration of ICTs in FET are Ms A Lowenherz (021 467 2621, alowen@pgwc.gov.za) and Ms A Basha (021 467 2569, anbasha@pgwc.gov.za).
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SIGNED: J.P. RAULT-SMITH
HEAD: EDUCATION
DATE: 2006:01:27
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