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R1 billion budgeted to expand ICT in Gauteng schools

The Gauteng Department of Education will spend R1 billion for its ICT in education initiative, also known as Paperless Classrooms, in the 2016/17 financial year.

The department’s MEC, Panyaza Lesufi announced this measure yesterday during his Budget Vote speech at the Gauteng Legislature in Johannesburg.

The ICT budget has been divided up to earmark R200 million teacher support materials, R462.4 million for devices and classroom smart boards and R400 million for school renovations and refurbishments.

“The use of technology will enhance teaching quality by giving both teachers and learners access to extensive learning material, through the use of smart boards, tablet devices and smart software in the classroom, including digital exercises and lessons,” Lesufi said.

The department intends expand Paperless Classrooms to cover Grade 11 in this year, Grades 10 and nine in the 2017/18 financial year 2017/8 and end with Grade eight in 2018/19.

“A targeted number of schools, including primary schools, would be adopted, especially at senior grades as the rollout to classes in lower grades might yield minimal results,” Lesufi said.

Beginning in July this year, the department will promote and support ICT programmes self-initiated by schools to encourage learners from Quintile four and five schools, where parents can afford to support learners, to bring their own tablets to schools.

The department’s total budget grew by 8.4% from R36 billion in 2015/16 to R39 billion in 2016/17. This year’s budget sees an additional R2.2 billion being received as conditional grants.

Lesufi said Paperless Classrooms will be fully rolled out in all Gauteng high schools by 2019.

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