FOR WRITTEN REPLY
QUESTION 933
DATE OF PUBLICATION OF INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 21/08/09
(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER 10-2009)
Mrs C Dudley (ACDP) to ask the Minister of Basic Education:
1. Whether laptops will be a condition of service for teachers, if not,
what is the position in this regard; if so, (a) what arrangements have
been made to train teachers to use it optimally and (b) what steps
have been taken to ensure the safety of (i) teachers receiving laptops
(ii) laptops kept on school premises? NW1091E
REPLY :
1. Yes, the Teacher Laptop Initiative was declared as a condition of
service in Government Gazette Nr 514 of 8 May 2009, and will be phased
in to cover all educators by 30 June 2011.
(a) Self-training software is included in the minimum specifications of
the package the teacher is required to purchase. This includes basic
skills training in using the computer technology in everyday life and
ICT skills for teachers which involves specific aspects of using ICT
for teaching and learning. These training materials could be used by
schools, districts and PEDs for organized training for groups
(b) (i) Noting that the ownership of the laptop renders with the
educators and that the monthly allowance is a condition of service.
.Educators who participate in the initiative will be responsible for
their own security in relation to the storage and carrying of the
laptop to and from school. In addition, the Department has made it a
requirement that an educator must provide proof that the laptop is
insured before payment of the allowance is approved.
(ii) It is not expected that laptops will be kept on school premises.
However, in schools where there is adequate security and depending on
the terms of insurance that the educator has chosen, an educator may
be able to keep their laptop on the school premises.
Compiler: L Munday
Ext: 6078
DIRECTOR -GENERAL
DATE:
QUESTION 933 APPROVED/NOT APPROVED/AMENDED
MS MA MOTSHEKGA, MP
MINISTER OF BASIC EDUCATIO N
DATE: