Submitted by Omashani Naidoo from SchoolNet
The Department of Communications in partnership with the Department of Basic Education has been rolling out end-to-end ICT solutions to selected schools. The selected schools each receive 20 laptops with sponsored connectivity.  Telkom SA supplied the laptops and the equipment for internet connectivity for each of the 1650 schools.  Intel South Africa is sponsoring teacher training on the provided equipment and SchoolNet as Intel’s training partner, will provide this training. 

The seven launch schools

The seven launch schools were the first to receive training. SchoolNet has completed the Intel Teach Getting Started training sponsored by Intel SA in these launch schools. The seven schools received 20 laptops each with wifi internet access across the entire school and they also have access to the DBE’s educloud portal which is continually being updated. The schools are all prepped for the launch of this programme known as the Schools Connectivity programme which is a part the FIFA legacy schools project

The launch event took place today in various parts of the country. SchoolNet’ s Operations Manager, Ms Omashani Naidoo attended the Free State launch at Senakangwedi Secondary School and sent some tweets. 

The launch at Senakangwedi as highlighted on Twitter.

 

The remaining schools in the project have received their
equipment and SchoolNet, together will Telkom, will ensure that schools receive training once all the equipment is fully installed. This training will commence
in the second quarter. Three ICT champions per school will be trained as master
trainers who will then implement an internal professional development plan for
teachers at their respective schools. All teachers will be offered webinar
support as well as competitions for teachers to showcase how their teaching
practice is evolving as a result of ICTs