Teacher Centre Managers and e-Learning Specialists are being trained to take the lead in the implementation of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) in schools. More than 170 participants from across all nine provinces commenced with a blended university-accredited learning Short Learning Programme (SLP) on Managing and Leading Education Change with Digital Technologies at the University of Johannesburg, Auckland Park Campus on 11 July 2016. The course was officially launched by the DBE, in partnership with the United Nations Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF), Vodacom and Microsoft.

The face-to-face training, which took place from 11 to 14 July 2016,  will be followed by three months of virtual training until the completion of the NQF level 8 Post Graduate Diploma course. This course will empower Teacher Centre Managers and e-Learning Specialists to become experts in the adoption of digital technologies as tools of the trade within the education sector.

Through the partnership, the DBE has been systematically growing the competencies of the managers of the District Teacher Development Centres (DTDCs) over the past two years. In August 2014, the DBE and Vodacom trained 159 DTDC managers and Provincial Education Department (PED) officials. In September 2014 and 2015 respectively, the DBE, Vodacom and Microsoft trained 50 e-Learning Specialists from all nine Provincial Education Departments in a South African Council for Educators (SACE) accredited Teaching with Technology course. During March and April 2016, Vodacom partnered with the DBE to train more than 300 officials in all PEDs that are involved in managing DTDCs.

Mr Niral Patel from Microsoft South Africa said that the launch of this course remains a cornerstone in transforming learning and teaching in South Africa. Mr Patel further highlighted that this course will enable teachers to become agents of change within the schooling system; adding that their skills should be used to strengthen teacher centres across the country. Dr Yulia Krieger, Deputy Country Director for UNICEF South Africa and Mr Shameel Joosub, Vodacom Chief Executive Officer, also pledged their support during the launch.

Addressing the guests, Basic Education Minister, Mrs Angie Motshekga mentioned that the launch of the blended university-accredited learning Short Learning Programme (SLP) on Managing and Leading Education Change with Digital Technologies represents a radical step by the basic education sector in dealing with the implementation of Operation Phakisa on ICT in Education and the optimal utilisation of all digital platforms.

Minister Motshekga went on to emphasise that the course will enable Government to further its vision to accelerate the planning and implementation of ICT in schools. The Minister thanked all partners for their commitment and dedication in assisting Government to deliver quality learning and teaching, particularly through digital education. “This is an indication that education and Operation Phakisa will not achieve the 17 Sustainable Development Goals without business entities and universities,” said Minister Motshekga. Operation Phakisa on ICT in Education was launched by President Jacob Zuma during September 2015. This marked an overdue turning point to transform teaching and learning through the appropriate use of ICTs as envisioned by the White Paper on e-Education, 2004.