UniForum SA handed over support materials for IT learners and teachers to government and independent schools on Friday.
The co.za registrar says the material is for grade 11 learners, a build-up on the grade 10 material developed and distributed last year as part of its corporate social investment arm, CO.ZA Cares.
The material is developed by NGO Mindset Network's schooling programme, Mindset Learn, and will be distributed to over 425 schools countrywide next year. The registrar says up to 25 000 learners studying IT for matric will benefit.
“The material comprises nine hours of video content (also broadcast on DStv channel 319), 25 hours of computer-based interactive multimedia content, as well as associated print content.”
The package includes lessons in hardware, software, networking, e-communication and programming.
Mindset Network CEO Roith Rajpal says the Grade 12 IT material will be ready for distribution by May 2012.
Imperative IT skills
CO.ZA Cares manager Fiona Wallace says only 425 schools will be receiving the packages, because these are the only schools in SA that teach IT as a subject.
“The ability to access and use digital technology is a predicate for sustained development,” says head of Mindset Networks Dylan Busa. He adds that South Africans must not only cease to fear technology, but must love it.
Gauteng education MEC Barbara Creecy also emphasises the growing importance of IT training in education. “The IT syllabus in schools serves as a training ground for the programmers and software developers, and SA needs to become a leading developing nation when it comes to the ICT skills set of her citizens.”
Head of the department Boy Ngobeni says there is a lot of work that needs to be done in terms of this. “Our education is in crisis, we cannot sugar-coat it.”
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