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SITA, DTPS hand over cyberlab [ITWeb](ITWeb Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) Trained teachers will be pivotal for the success of any ICT integration efforts, says minister Siyabonga Cwele. The State IT Agency's GovTech legacy programme saw the agency hand over a R500 000 ICT lab to St Francis College outside Durban as part of government's e-learning commitment. Telecommunications and postal services minister Siyabonga Cwele handed over the facility, which includes multi seat solution, the server, cabinet, network switch, cabling and air-conditioners. He said the facility's launch was "the first of many steps to close the dreaded digital divide". SITA said its long-term involvement will ensure support for the school's ICT integration training for teachers and learners. Cwele added the students' success would greatly rely on adequate teacher training. "This is absolutely crucial. Students will not excel in a digital environment unless teachers are as comfortable with a computer as they are with a blackboard," he said. Cwele said cyberlabs can act as incubators for the country's future ICT skills pool. Speaking during his keynote at GovTech earlier this week, he noted (../index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=138959:Cwele-commits-to-health-education-focus&catid=147) education and health would be prioritised in government's efforts to drive objectives outlined in the country's broadband plan. Jerry Vilakazi, SITA chairperson, said the St Francis College was the school chosen for a cyberlab donation due to its strong performance record. "It meets some of our key criteria, namely excellent academic performance and commitment from learners, staff and the community to value the technology that has been placed in their hands." Luthando Bhengu, a teacher at the school, said the technology would transform lesson preparation and facilitation, while boosting staff skills as well. (c) 2014 ITWeb Limited. All rights reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info). |