STATUS REPORT ON THE
IMPLEMENTATION OF
E-EDUCATION
PRESENTATION TO THE EDUCATION PORTFOLIO COMMITEE
20 August 2013
Mr H M Mweli
PURPOSE
To report to the
Education Portfolio
Committee on the status
of e-Education
Implementation.
2
FOCUS
OF
THE
REPORT
The presentation will address status of ICT in provinces in the
following areas:
– Status of ICT infrastructure in Schools
• Multi-grade schools
– Status of Teacher Training & Professional Development in
ICT
– Status of Connectivity in Provinces
• District offices
• Schools Initiatives
– Dinaledi Schools
– Proof of Concept Districts
– Digital Content Development
– Implementation Plan
– General Challenges of ICT in Education Implementation
E- EDUCATION POLICY GOAL
Every South African learner in the
general and further education and
training bands will be ICT capable (that
is, use ICTs confidently and creatively to
help develop the skills and knowledge
they need to achieve personal goals
and to be full participants in the global
community) by 2013.
4
THE ACTION PLAN
The Action Plan to 2014 (goals 16 and 20)
requires e-Education to provide the enabling
tools and platforms across the education
system, for improving:
1. Accessibility;
2. Inclusivity;
3. Quality; and
4. Efficiency.
5
STATUS OF ICT
INFRASTRUCTURE
ICT INFRASTRUCTURE 2002
Provinces
Eastern Cape
Free State
Gauteng
KwaZulu Natal
Mpumalanga
Northern Cape
Limpopo
North West
Western Cape
Total
Schools with computers, by province (2002)
% Schools with
% Schools with computers for
computers
teaching and learning
8.8
4.5
25.6
12.6
88.5
45.4
16.6
10.4
22.9
12.4
76.3
43.3
13.3
4.9
30.5
22.9
82.5
56.8
39.2
26.5
As with the current status, in 2002 the status of ICT infrastructure differed from province to
province based on provincial priorities, capacity and available funding. Nationally, 26,5%
schools had computers for teaching and learning and 39,2% had one or more computers
for administrative purposes.
ICT INFRASTRUCTURE 2011
Province
EC
FS
GP
KZN
MP
NC
LP
NW
WC
National
Number of Schools
(Report on 2009/2010
Annual Survey)
5745
1712
2483
6008
1927
617
4084
1678
1616
25870
Number Schools
with Computers
for admin
(NEIMS Report
2011)
% of schools
with
computers for
admin
(NEIMS Report
2011)
Number Schools
with Computers for
Teaching &
Learning (T&L)
(NEIMS Report 2011)
% of schools
with
computers for
T&L
(NEIMS Report
2011)
1427
1191
1796
2462
977
364
1751
1349
1350
11319
25%
70%
72%
41%
51%
59%
43%
80%
84%
44%
592
295
1571
992
288
297
427
366
1280
6107
10%
17%
63%
17%
15%
48%
10%
22%
79%
24%
The level of ICT infrastructure provision to districts and schools varies from province to
province with the more affluent provinces such as Western Cape and Gauteng almost
complete with the roll-out of ICTs to public schools. The table above reflects the status of
ICT provision to schools across all provinces in 2011.
ICT INFRASTRUCTURE FOR INCLUSIVE EDUCATION
SCHOOLS 2012/13
Dion-Wired in partnership with the DBE has committed itself to support selected IE schools
(below) in the country.
The Schools have been selected with the assistance of The National Council for Persons with
Physical Disabilities ( NCPPDSA) to receive the solution mentioned below and specialised
hardware and software
PROVINCE
Western Cape
KwaZulu Natal
Gauteng
Mpumalanga
Limpopo
Total
Number of schools
for the project
6
3
5
1
1
16
The above participating schools received the following equipments:
Interactive Whiteboards, collaborative software called SMART Notebook, the Clicker Software,
a projector, laptop, microphone and speakers to use in conjunction with the Smartboard and
Netbook software .
ICT INFRASTRUCTURE FOR INCLUSIVE EDUCATION SCHOOLS
2013/14
• The Vodacom Foundation in partnership with
DBE will equip the 9 existing ICT Resource
Centres with special needs hardware and
software using 10 of the 40 computers in each
centre.
• This would include a comprehensive library of
resources that would enable almost anyone
with physical or communication disabilities,
through the use of one of these products, to
come to the centre and communicate and
learn.
10
ICT INFRASTRUCTURE FOR INCLUSIVE EDUCATION SCHOOLS
2013/14...
• This specialised equipment includes a range of
switches, hands-free mouse solution, specialised
keyboards, eye control equipment, low tech books
and software (numeracy, literacy and basic
computer skills) to compliment the devices and to
enable the resources to be fully utilised in the
centre.
• The potential gain will be that these disabled
people will be given a chance to excel by having
access to information on the portal, become
computer literate as well as have access to skills
and information, which will assist them for the
rest of their lives.
11
MULTI-GRADE
SCHOOLS
MULTIGRADE SCHOOLS
The 2009 Annual Surveys report on ordinary Schools shows that 6665 schools in the
country (26%), of which approximately 5000 primary schools, had multi-grade classes. The
majority of these schools were located in the Eastern Cape (2333) and KwaZulu-Natal
(1331). The table below depict a number of schools per province that had multi-grade
classes as per 2009 Annual Survey.
Province
Eastern Cape
Free State
Gauteng
KwaZulu Natal
Mpumalanga
Northern Cape
Limpopo
North west
Western Cape
National - SA
NO. of Schools (Report
on 2009/2010 Annual
Survey)
NO. schools with multi-grade
classes (Report on 2009/2010
Annual Survey)
% of schools with
multi-grade classes
5745
1712
2483
6008
1927
617
4084
1678
1616
25870
2333
722
185
1331
688
155
631
441
379
6665
41%
42%
7%
22%
36%
25%
15%
26%
23%
26%
DBE INITIATIVES DELIVERED IN 2012/13
The ICT intervention to multi-grade schools by the DBE includes the provision of
50 multimedia mobile units to 50 multi-grade schools.
PROVINCE
Eastern Cape
KwaZulu Natal
North West
Limpopo
Total
Number of schools for the project
The above participating schools received the following equipment in a
Multimedia mobile unit:
• 800 Books and educational DVDs
• TV unit
• DVD Player
• 3 laptops with 3G connectivity
18
6
16
10
50
DBE PLANNED INITIATIVES FOR 2013/14
200 multi-grade schools where teachers have already been
trained in multi-grade pedagogy offered by the Centre for MultiGrade Education of the Cape Peninsula University of Technology
(CPUT) in 2010 to 2012, are earmarked for 2013/14. The schools
are in KwaZulu Natal, Eastern Cape, Free State and Limpopo
provinces.
PROVINCE
Eastern Cape
KwaZulu Natal
Free State
Limpop
Total
Total number
of Multigrade
schools
2087
1331
813
829
5060
% of the
project from
the total of
Number of
schools for the schools for
project
the project
43%
85
27%
54
17%
34
14%
27
100%
200
% of the
project from
the total No
of schools
4.1%
4.1%
4.2%
3.3%
4.0%
PROFESSIONAL
DEVELOPMENT
ICT PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Teacher training and professional development in ICT is currently provided by
provincial e-learning sections. However, NGOs such as SchoolNet South Africa (SNSA)
through the Microsoft Partners in Learning programme have been instrumental in
conducting reputable courses in basic computer skills in South Africa.
Province
Total Number of
No. of Teachers
% of Teachers
Teachers
Attended Training
Attended
Training
Eastern Cape
64809
14841
23%
Free State
23854
3351
14%
Gauteng
59175
76871
130%
KwaZulu Natal
90251
7902
9%
Limpopo
55277
1525
3%
Mpumalanga
33059
6984
21%
North West
8632
7207
83%
Northern Cape
24881
1284
5%
Western Cape
32439
12919
40%
National
NB: Notes that some teachers 132884
may have attended one or
413067
more ICT skills training course,
hence the high percentage in Gauteng and North West.
(Data Source: Provincial ICT Training Data Reports 2012-13)
32%
ICT PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT (cont)
• It is imperative that teachers have the ability to integrate ICTs
in teaching and learning.
• The percentage of teachers that integrated ICTs in teaching
and learning nationally, is very low.
• The percentage of teachers who attend training is still low
especially in the majority of provinces.
• Provinces have the responsibility to train teachers in ICT skills
and integration.
• The DBE is planning to build the capacity of provinces to train
teachers in ICT skills and integration by providing ICT skills
training workshops to relevant provincial and district officials
in selected provinces in 2014/15.
• The DBE also plans to update the Framework for Teacher
Training & Professional Development in ICT in 2014/15.
CONNECTIVITY IN
SCHOOLS
STATUS OF CONNECTIVITY IN DISTRICTS OFFICES
The provision of connectivity to provincial and district offices is the sole responsibility of State
Information Technology Agent (SITA).
All 9 provincial offices have connectivity, and 77 out of 86 districts are connected to the Internet.
Province
Number of District
District Offices Connected in
offices
2011/12
Northern Cape
5
4
North West
4
4
Limpopo
10
2
KwaZulu-Natal
12
12
Gauteng
15
15
5
5
Eastern Cape
23
23
Western Cape
8
8
Mpumalanga
4
4
TOTAL
86
77
Free State
STATUS OF CONNECTIVITY IN SCHOOLS
A total of 14, 260 schools were connected in 2012/13, including 10, 065 schools connected for
administrative purpose and 4, 195 connected for teaching and learning purposes through the
following connectivity initiatives:
• 2010 FIFA World Cup Legacy project;
• Vodacom Foundation project;
• Telkom Foundation project; and
• CSIR-Meraka Institute projects.
Purpose of Connectivity
Province
Number of Schools
Administration
Teaching & Learning
Eastern Cape
5 588
3136
184
Free State
1 422
581
113
Gauteng
2 015
2 015
1672
KwaZulu-Natal
5 927
110
217
Limpopo
3 965
Mpumalanga
1 838
525
107
597
597
298
North West
1 646
1 646
172
Western Cape
1 455
1 455
1399
Total
24 453
10 065
4 195
Northern Cape
33
LICENSE OBLIGATION PROJECT
•5000 schools are scheduled to be connected by all 6 Network operators as per their license obligation.
•This will be done in a period of 3 years starting from the current financial year where at least 2000
schools will be connected.
•A steering committee including the DOC, DBE, ICASA, USAASA, License operators, and DST, has been
established
•The DBE has submitted to ICASA and DOC the Hardware and software specifications for ICT resources
to be provided to schools which will be connected through the License obligation initiative.
GP
NW
MP
FS
LP
EC
KZN
NC
Tot
Cell C
86
59
79
20
70
126
69
44
553
MTN
85
59
79
20
70
126
69
44
552
Neotel
85
58
79
20
70
126
69
44
551
Sentech
85
58
79
20
70
125
69
44
550
Vodacom
85
58
79
20
69
125
69
44
548
WBS
85
58
78
19
69
125
68
44
545
511
350
473
119
418
753
412
263
3299
STATUS OF CONNECTIVITY IN DINALEDI SCHOOLS
The 2013 audit on the connectivity status of Dinaledi schools indicates that out of the 492 Dinaledi
schools, 269 are connected. 223 Dinaledi schools are not connected including 17 that do have
connectivity facilities but currently have no connectivity available. The DBE is currently talking to the
DOC in order to include the remaining 223 Dinaledi schools in the 2010 FIFA World Cup Legacy
project.
No. of schools without
Internet access
No. of Dinaledi
No. of Dinaledi schools
schools
with Internet access
Connected but not
operational
Eastern Cape
60
15
4
45
Free State
33
26
2
7
Gauteng
103
68
5
35
KwaZulu-Natal
88
36
4
52
Limpopo
49
27
0
22
Mpumalanga
46
26
1
20
North West
50
17
1
33
Northern Cape
17
10
0
7
Western Cape
46
44
0
2
Total
492
269
17
223
Province
CONNECTIVITY IN THE PROOF OF CONCEPT DISTRICTS
The Department of Education completed the Feasibility Study on ICT in Education 2009.
The Feasibility Study built an e-Education Case through:
• Enhancing logistics and operations;
• Building managers’ and teachers’ capacity to manage and teach effectively and become
ICT capable; and
• Providing all learners access to quality education through the appropriate use of ICT.
The department requested all provinces to select a district for the implementation of the
Proof of Concept (PoC).
Province
Eastern Cape
Free State
Gauteng
KwaZulu-Natal
Mpumalanga
Northern Cape
North West
Western Cape
Limpopo
Total
District/Circuit(s)
Lady Frere District;
Ezibeleni Circuit, Queenstown District
Motheo District
Tshwane South District
Hammersdale & Umhlathuze Circuits,
Pinetown District
Witbank 1,2,3 and Middelburg 1,2,3 Circuits,
Nkangala Region
Siyanda District
Rekopantswe &
Kagisano Molopo Area Offices
Cape Winelands District
Vhembe District
Number of schools
162
28
136
189
204
151
101
95
90
199
170
1525
PROGRESS MADE IN THE PROOF OF CONCEPT DISTRICTS
• The department, in partnership with Vodacom Foundation
prepared an implementation plan to support the nine PoC
districts to build an e-Education case.
• In each province an ICT Resource Centre has been
established and resourced.
• 270 (30 school in each PoC district) Maths and Science
schools around the ICT Resource Center, have been
provided with ICT infrastructure and connectivity.
• A hosting site referred to as a ‘digital classroom has been
created to support the ICT Centers and the schools in the
vicinity of the resource centre.
www.digitalclassrooom.co.za
PROGRESS MADE IN THE PROOF OF CONCEPT DISTRICTS...
• 1650 schools (125 Dinaledi and 1525 Proof of Concept schools)
and included services such as hosting, internet and emails for 3
years; and
• The implementation of this initiative has commenced in June
2012 for the PoC schools. To date 862 schools including 33
Dinaledi schools are reported to have been completed with
regard to the establishment of the WAN component of the
connectivity.
• The 1650 will be hosted through the Proof of Concept educational
network which is currently being developed by TELKOM.
http://www.educloud.org.za
• The connectivity solution for schools include cost-effective WAN
solution managed and maintained by the service provider
(TELKOM).
CONTENT
DEVELOPMENT
DIGITAL CONTENT DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVES
Content development initiatives include the following
interactive and non-interactive digital curriculum
content:
1. The development of Interactive Rainbow
Workbooks;
2. Development of ‘hybrid’ Textbooks/Workbooks;
3. Distribution of Curriculum Enrichment Videos;
and
4. Development of Open Education Resources
(OERs).
ELECTRONIC CONTENT DEVELOPMENT
•
•
A draft Digital Content Resources Strategy that aims to provide a balance
between teacher-created content, open education resources and publisherprovided content resources.
Current content development initiatives include interactive and non-interactive
digital curriculum content.
INTERACTIVE RAINBOW WORKBOOKS
•
•
•
•
•
The following interactive Numeracy and Literacy workbooks (Book 1) were
developed in 2012/13:
Grade 1: English First Additional Language Book 1 (Terms 1 & 2).
Grade 2: English First Additional Language Book 1 (Terms 1 & 2).
Grade 3: English First Additional Language Book 1 (Terms 1 & 2).
Grade 3: Mathematics in English Book 1 (Terms 1 & 2).
ELECTRONIC CONTENT DEVELOPMENT...
DIGITAL HYBRID TEXTBOOKS/ WORKBOOKS
• GET Natural Science, Technology and Mathematics (Grades 4 6 in 2012/13 and Grades 7-9 in 2013/14)
• DBE in partnership with Discovery Channel Global Education
Partnership (DCGEP) are distributing DVD broadcast content
in Limpopo; and Mindset Network has a presence in all
provinces via its satellite and Video on Demand (VoD)
platform accessed by schools via community TV stations and
DSTV subscribers.
• The DBE is currently coordinating an initiative of developing
freely accessible educational resources for the education
portal.
DIGITAL CONTENT SUMMARY
The availability of quality e-content is critical to the
national roll-out of e-Education.
• DBE is in the process of developing a dedicated
centralised content hosting platform accessible by
different ICT devices
• Provinces will contribute and shared digital content
produced from their different initiatives to the
centralized hosting platform
• The DBE is also in the process of collating and quality
assuring open education resources (OERs) that will be
hosted on the centralised hosting platform for access by
schools.
IMPLEMENTATION
PLAN
THE IMPLEMENTATION PLAN
• The Department of Basic Education developed
a draft new e-Education implementation plan
that updates the 2004 White Paper including
future targets for ICT access in schools.
• The draft implementation plan was found to
contain weaknesses in terms of
implementation and a task team was set up to
address these weaknesses before it can be
approved by the Director General.
THE IMPLEMENTATION PLAN...
• The document was then discussed with the ICT relevant officials. The
following outcomes were achieved from the discussion:
 Inputs and context were provided by relevant officials on specific
projects;
 The development of a dedicated cloud portal for DBE was identified
as a quick win (low laying fruits);
 A roundtable workshop on DBE’s implementation of FOSS-based elearning with a specific focus on content was held with specialists
and other role-players in the cloud portal service sector for inputs
that would inform implementation of this service on 12 June 2013;
 Further engagements have taken place with specific role-players in
partnerships with DBE; and
 The second updated draft of the discussion document for ‘DBE’s
Implementation of e-Learning’ is expected to be presented soon for
further discussion and inputs.
CHALLENGES OF ICT IN
EDUCATION
IMPLEMENTATION
GENERAL CHALLENGES OF ICT IN EDUCATION
IMPLEMENTATION
General indications from discussions and available provincial plans
are that the implementation of ICT in provinces is impeded by:
• Lack of a dedicated ICT implementation budget;
• Lack of provincial ICT implementation plans in some provinces;
• Insufficient alignment of provincial plans and targets to the Action
plan to 2014; and
• Lack of competent human resources dedicated to ICT
implementation at provincial and district levels
• Limited connectivity network coverage in rural areas where most
schools are located;
• High cost of connectivity; and
• Reluctance of Network Operators to implement the e-Rate.
IMPLEMENTATION PLAN
The DBE is currently refining
its ICT implementation plan
in order to address some of
the challenges identified in
this report.
RECOMMENDATION
The Portfolio Committee
Members to note and discuss
the report on the
Implementation of
E-Education
38
THANK YOU