STAFF REPORTER|
THE Western Cape Education Department (WCED) will be supplying 179 schools with mobile suites of technology this financial year at a cost of R18.5 million.
The use of computers and other forms of technology is crucial for the development of the learners in an economy that is becoming ever more digital.
“Owing to this, it is important for our schools to be equipped with this infrastructure for quality education to be taught,” DA Western Cape Spokesperson on Education Deidré Baartman said.
Currently, there are 1 320 schools that are already equipped with general-use computer laboratories, otherwise known as Slim Labs. There are also 255 schools that are provisioned with subject-specific labs, which cater to Computer Applications Technology (CAT), Engineering Graphics and Design (EGD), and Information Technology (IT).
Every 3-4 years, the subject-specific labs are evaluated to ensure that the technology located at these schools are sufficient to cater for learning. On an annual basis, 80 schools are furnished with the necessary technology for these subjects at a cost of R26 million.
The DA said it will be submitting follow-up questions to ascertain more details regarding this programme and the schools that are benefitting from it.
“These examples show that the WCED is committed to making a difference. We welcome the WCED’s continual efforts to ensure that our learners have a conducive learning environment for growth and skills development,” said Baartman.
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